News Summary
Kentwood, Michigan, is poised for an exciting mixed-use development near Gerald R. Ford Airport. This project will include residential, commercial, and recreational facilities, enhancing the community and its accessibility. The redevelopment of the Patterson Farm site promises significant improvements, open spaces, and connectivity for both residents and visitors, balancing modern needs with preservation.
Kentwood Set for Exciting New Development Near Airport
Big news is coming from Kentwood, Michigan! A brand new mixed-use development is set to take shape just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Gerald R. Ford Airport. Imagine this: hotels, banks, daycare centers, gas stations, and retail spaces all clustered in one convenient location, less than two miles from the airport. Sounds pretty good, right?
Location, Location, Location
The development will be located at the northwest corner of 36th Street and Patterson Avenue. It’s prime real estate! The site is currently known as the Patterson Farm and spans a whopping 151.5 acres. Historically, this property has been all about farming and agriculture, featuring a quaint, vacant farmhouse. But it’s time for a change!
Transformation on the Horizon
Site work kicked off this week, and excitement is building in the community. The development is set to undergo a crucial transformation involving a proposed change in the city’s master plan. That means moving away from a “conservation-oriented” focus to accommodate a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial uses. A public hearing has already been held to discuss the conceptual land use plans, presented by planning consultant Jim Reminga.
While no vote was taken during this initial meeting, it lays the groundwork for future discussions. The development team aims to return to request rezoning for the site once the master plan gets the official thumbs-up. The vision for the property is ambitious, with exciting potential uses like recreational retailers, a health club, mini-golf, batting cages, and even traditional go-kart tracks!
A Developer with a Proven Track Record
The project is in the hands of Lormax Stern Development Co., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, and they certainly know what they’re doing. With a history of successful developments like The Shops at CenterPoint and North Kent Mall, they’re no strangers to crafting desirable spaces. Plus, they’re not alone; Visser Brothers Construction is also keen on getting involved in this exciting project!
Balancing Development with Nature
The vision for Patterson Farm isn’t just about construction; it’s about creating a community. Out of the 82 acres earmarked for development, approximately 68 acres will be dedicated to preserving open space—this includes wetlands and areas of floodplain. Community leaders are pushing for development that represents an employment center or a vibrant residential area instead of just more big-box retail.
Making Connectivity a Priority
A traffic study will be necessary for the upcoming phases of this project. And to make things even better, plans may include a non-motorized trail to connect residents and visitors with the natural beauty of the area. Who doesn’t love a nice stroll?
Residential Developments to Watch
The first phase of Breton Ravines showcases 69 rental homes, with additional units in the pipeline. Infrastructure improvements are on the way, particularly with regard to extending Breton Avenue—a significant street construction project that will primarily be funded by the developer. Keep your eyes peeled—the rental options are expected to start around $2,700 per month, while for-sale homes will kick off in the $300,000s to mid-$400,000s.
Community Features
But it’s not just about the buildings! Breton Ravines is looking to offer a number of family-friendly features, including a playground, walking paths, dog parks, and a commitment to preserving a generous 29 acres of open space.
Full Steam Ahead!
As beautifully rich as its farming past, the future for Patterson Farm looks bright and vibrant. With significant planning underway for both commercial and residential growth in Kentwood, residents can look forward to a revitalized community that balances modern living with natural surroundings. Get ready, Kentwood—exciting things are on the horizon!
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Patterson Farm Mixed-Use Project
- Wikipedia: Mixed-use Development
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Kentwood Housing Plan
- Google Search: Kentwood Michigan development
- Clarion Ledger: Clinton MS Mixed-Use Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
- MLive: Grand Rapids Airport Mixed-Use Project
- Google News: Mixed-Use Developments Kentwood
