March 31, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Announces Nearly 50 New Housing Units and Commercial Space Coming to Grand Rapids and Saline
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline. A new, four-story construction in the City of Grand Rapids’ Boston Square neighborhood will add 45 critical housing units and community space, while two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, and commercial and green space.
Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.
“Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business,” said Governor Whitmer. “Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”
The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.
“The MEDC is proud to support the growth and resilience of communities like Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy,” said the MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities.”
In the City of Grand Rapids, approximately 1.3 acres in the Boston Square neighborhood will be redeveloped into a four-story, mixed-use building, creating 45 new apartments along with 9,410 square feet of commercial space and 9,048 square feet of public space. The project is part of the Boston Square Together Project, a neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment of 10 acres in the neighborhood that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities.
The project will be supported by a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050. The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase of the project with a $400,000 HOME grant.
BSQ Together I LDHA, LLC, is a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC, a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, founded in 1994. Brinshore is one of the nation’s largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.
Founded in 2018, Amplify GR invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, resulting in real opportunities to participate in and benefit from neighborhood growth. Amplify GR utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization modeled after Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic investment Boston Square Together was designed to advance—aligning community vision with strategic investments to create lasting impact,” said Jon Ippel, executive director at Amplify GR. “Through our partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and support from the Revitalization and Placemaking Grant, Amplify GR is partnering with the community to widen pathways so that more neighbors participate in and benefit from neighborhood growth through expanded access to housing and business ownership opportunities. This collaboration is helping ensure that the momentum we’re building translates into inclusive economic opportunity and a stronger, more vibrant Boston Square.”
“The City applauds the partnership with the MEDC and the support for Revitalization and Placemaking investment, which will provide additional mixed-income housing opportunity for community,” said Sarah Rainero, economic development director for the City of Grand Rapids. “State investment is critical to moving projects across the finish line, and it’s rewarding to see the vibrancy these dollars spark. The newest construction project for Amplify GR at Boston Square builds on the strong momentum of neighborhood revitalization already underway and the F3 project reflects our shared commitment to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting thoughtful, inclusive growth in Grand Rapids.”
The project is among other recent placemaking efforts in Grand Rapids supported by the MEDC. In March 2026, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved support through a $4.75 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based loan for the creation of 109 housing units in the City of Grand Rapids’ Westside neighborhood. The project is located near Grand Valley State University’s rapidly expanding downtown campus and is a short walk to the Acrisure Amphitheatre and Professional Stadium developments.
“This RAP award is exactly the kind of smart, place-based investment that helps turn a neighbor-informed community vision into tangible progress,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “This investment means more housing, more room for local small businesses, and more welcoming public spaces — strengthening the fabric of the Boston Square community, fostering long-term opportunity, and ensuring more families put down roots, connect, and thrive right here in Grand Rapids.”
“We are facing a real housing shortage, and the answer is to build with purpose. This project brings new homes, new businesses and new energy to Boston Square. A home is where people find stability, raise their children and begin to build a future. That is what makes this work so important, and how we ensure Grand Rapids continues to grow in a way that is inclusive, vibrant and built to last. Thank you to all of the partners making this possible.” said state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids).
In the City of Saline, a three-story historic building and adjacent parcel at Murphy’s Crossing will be revitalized into a mixed-used development featuring four two-story residential apartments and a renovated walkout lower level for commercial use and community green space. In total, approximately 10,000 square feet of vacant land will be converted into a multipurpose space including seating, lighting, trees, and other public amenities for residents and visitors.
The project is being supported by a $1.5 million RAP grant and will bring a total anticipated capital investment of $7,495,703. The City of Saline has committed to providing a $500,000 financial contribution to the development of the adjacent outdoor public space. The resolution to provide the funding has been completed and the site plan approval process has been waived.
William “Bill” Kinley and Mary Kinley own development company Phoenix South, L.C. as well as Praxis Properties; their son Tyler Kinley is the manager of both companies. This will be the first development for Phoenix South, L.C., while the developers have extensive experience with the redevelopment of historic structures under Praxis Properties, including the Merchant Square building in Saline.
“This project has been a possibility only with the help of the MEDC, who has been an excellent partner throughout this process, along with the City, City Council, and community support,” said Tyler Kinley, manager for Phoenix South, L.C. “Realizing this development has been a long-standing goal for the community of Saline, and it will be the catalyst for downtown's revitalization in the years to come.”
“The Uphaus Square Project will significantly enhance the visitor experience in Downtown Saline by creating a dynamic space for events and gatherings or just to spend some time and relax,” said City Manager Dan Swallow. “It is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership where the City is matching an investment by Praxis Properties to complete a long-envisioned project that we couldn't have accomplished alone.”
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