GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Woda Cooper Cos. Inc. has begun construction on Breton Grove, a 90-unit affordable housing community to be built in two phases in Grand Rapids. The groundbreaking event featured an announcement about the new statewide Contractor Assistance Program (CAP), which is spearheaded by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. CAP is aimed at increasing the number of those who are newly trained and employed in the construction workforce and to help contractors and emerging developers increase their capacity for larger contracts and projects. Woda Cooper is working with trained apprentices from the program on the construction of Breton Grove over the next two years.
Both phases of the project will be designated for residents who earn 30 to 80 percent of the area median income, with 33 integrated Permanent Supported Housing units for residents facing homelessness. The project will consist of two buildings, each with one- and two-bedroom units. Each building will include a community room with kitchenette and onsite management and supportive service offices. Community Rebuilders, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit, will coordinate the supportive services. Several units will be adapted for those with mobility challenges and/or sight and hearing disabilities.
The City of Grand Rapids approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes for both phases of Breton Grove. Merchants Capital is the primary equity investor for both phases of the project. Independent Bank, which is also a secondary investor in the development through Merchants Capital, is providing a construction loan for Phase I. Merchants capital affiliate Merchants Bank of Indiana is providing the construction loan for Phase II. CF Bank is providing a permanent mortgage for Phase I, while Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust is providing a permanent mortgage for Phase II.
Hooker DeJong is performing architectural and structural engineering services for both phases. Moore & Bruggink is the civil engineer, Holland Engineering is the structural engineer and Sol Design + Consulting is the sustainability consultant. Woda Construction Inc., the general contractor, will work with local developer HERCO to place freshly trained apprentices from the CAP to work on the project. Completion is slated for late 2024. Woda Management & Real Estate will oversee leasing and property management.