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Michigan's first office-to-apartment conversion project begins in Grand Rapids

Spencer Wheelock
/
SeyferthPR

A sledgehammer ceremony held at Grand Rapids’ historic Fifth Third building

City and state leaders and stakeholders gathered to slam sledgehammers through an inner wall of the 59-year-old Fifth Third Building in downtown Grand Rapids.

The $50 million project converts just over 95,000 square feet of empty office space into 140 units throughout 7 floors, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, downsizing city office space and increasing much needed regional housing. Fifth Third Bank will maintain offices on the lower levels.

CWD Real Estate
/
SeyferthPR

“It’s taking something that has less demand and filling it with something that has greater demand.”

Managing Partner of CWD Real Estate Sam Cummings says the percentage of buildings that can be converted this way is very small, due to remaining tenants, floor plans, and costs.

CWD Real Estate
/
SeyferthPR

“And what’s especially challenging in this building, I hate cliches, but we literally have to build the plane while it’s flying, because Tom Welch and Fifth Third is downstairs, so we are converting the upstairs and we actually have to get into the lid of his office.”

CWD Real Estate
/
SeyferthPR

Cummings says while it’s always easier to construct new buildings, conversion projects like this one are worth the effort because it revitalizes the area.

Construction should be complete within 14 months, and all apartments will be at or below 120% of area median income.

CWD Real Estate
/
SeyferthPR

Dave joined WGVU Public Media in November of 2023 after eighteen years as a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Emmy-nominated photojournalist and editor at Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8 and three years at WEYI TV25 in Flint, Michigan. As a General Assignment Reporter, Dave covers daily news and community events all over West Michigan.
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