The $3.9 million project is receiving a nearly $874,000 Revitalization and Placemaking grant from the state. Long-time resident and first-time developer Juan Lopez plans on converting a dilapidated building in the 1500 block of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW into 17 residential apartments with a Cuban restaurant called Palmas on the ground floor.
Lopez is teaming with Grand Rapids-based Cella Building Company for the project, which is being designed by Maxam Architecture.
Lopez received training from Cella and attended the Grand Rapids’ Developer Day seminar and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Emerging Developer Roadshow.
In a statement, Lopez said, “I want to thank the MEDC for all their help and efforts in making our development possible. This project will leave a long-lasting impact on the area and help create future jobs and housing that will strengthen our community.”
