The state of Michigan has invested $20 million of public infrastructure grant funds from the state’s budget in the City of Wyoming for its City Center Project - a public infrastructure project including a pedestrian bridge, miles of non-motorized trails, streetscaping improvements and a reimagined downtown on 28th Street.
Along with Kent County’s $6 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution and the City’s investment of $10 million of its own ARPA funds, the state’s investment will allow the City to complete its City Center project. This includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street near Hook Avenue that will serve as the entryway to the City’s future downtown center and provide a direct connection to the City’s park system.
Plans also include the construction of 4.6 miles of new non-motorized trails that will connect the City Center to the trails in Pinery Park and the Kent Trails system in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker and Byron Township. Overhead power lines along 28th Street between Burlingame and Clyde Park Avenue will be buried to support implementation of the City’s form based code and improve the aesthetics along this corridor.
“The investment from the state allows us to expedite the City Center project and complete most of the phased project immediately,” said City Manager John Shay. “Watching this project come to fruition is a success for our entire community and we are deeply thankful to Senator Winnie Brinks and State Representative John Fitzgerald for putting a spotlight on our community infrastructure project.”
The pedestrian bridge and non-motorized trail investments are part of a comprehensive approach to provide increased access between emerging employment centers, city parks and facilities and new housing opportunities. The expanded trail network will promote improved health by offering safe, high-quality trails connecting parks, recreational amenities, revitalized public spaces and a county-wide trail network.
This project also facilitates the safe crossing of M-11, which is known locally as 28th Street and is a state trunkline highway.
“We are so thankful to our state legislators and Governor Gretchen Whitmer for their continued support and recognition of our City Center project,” said Community and Economic Development Director Nicole Hofert. “Because of this funding, we can fully implement all trails, streetscaping enhancements and a public plaza.”
“Through ongoing collaboration between the City and private investor Magnus Capital, we have been able to implement a community vision for how we can make the 28th Street corridor more livable and accessible for all.”
“This budget has been thoughtfully crafted to strategically support Michiganders and address their needs,” said State Representative John Fitzgerald. “For months, my colleagues and I listened to our constituents about their priorities, and this budget reflects those priorities and works for all people across Michigan. I am grateful to have brought home more than $30 million to the 83rd House District. Notably, $20 million has been awarded to the city of Wyoming for a transformational infrastructure project that will create economic opportunity for the people of this community and put Wyoming on the map as the preeminent suburb in metro Grand Rapids.”
Magnus Capital has invested $62.9 million into Hom Flats directly adjacent to the future City Center site and will continue investment in that area to bring mixed-income housing, Class A commercial space and office space. The economic benefits, both increases in property values and job creation, will have a transformative impact on the City, its residents, businesses and visitors.
The City’s master plan was adopted in 2021 following robust public engagement. The adopted plan includes an updated 28th Street sub area plan with recommendations for the City Center project.
In September, the City will host an open house for residents and community members to learn more about Wyoming’s City Center.
