Artist's impression of the new Palenque Place housing development in Plainfield Township, showcasing apartment blocks among greenery.
The Planning Commission of Plainfield Township has approved a new housing development on the site of the former Grand Rapids Faith Fellowship church. Developed by Steve Visser Builder LLC, the project, named Palenque Place, aims to transform the vacant property into a community with 48 housing units including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Alongside housing, the plan also emphasizes the preservation of green spaces and amenities for residents, creating a balance between community living and nature.
Get ready, folks! Big changes are coming to Plainfield Township as the Planning Commission has just given the green light for an exciting new housing development. This decision pertains to the former site of the Grand Rapids Faith Fellowship church, a property that has been largely quiet since its congregation began to dwindle over the years.
The church, located at 4875 Palenque Place NE, has seen better days. After suffering fire damage back in 2018, it has remained vacant, triggering church leaders to contemplate selling the property. The vision? Transforming this once-active site into a cozy community featuring two family housing units while still preserving its recognizable exterior. It’s a refreshing take that keeps a bit of the past alive while looking to the future!
Say hello to Brandon Visser from Steve Visser Builder LLC. He’s stepping onto the scene as the developer aiming to transform this 5.5-acre parcel into vibrant housing options. His project, cleverly named Palenque Place, will bring new life through the conversion of the abandoned Northview Community of Christ Church into a combination of 18 studio and one-bedroom apartments, alongside plans for two new buildings featuring an additional 30 two-bedroom apartments.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty! The studio apartments will cozy up between 300 to 500 square feet, perfect for solo living. The one-bedroom units will range from 500 to 700 square feet, providing a bit more space for those looking to stretch out. And if you need even more room, the two-bedroom apartments will be between 900 to 1,050 square feet! Each apartment will come with its own perks such as outdoor patios or balconies, in-unit laundry, a common coffee bar, and even lounge areas. Plus, if you’re into biking, there will be storage available for your two-wheeled friend.
But it’s not just about the living spaces; this development is all about balance! The plan promises to keep 3.82 acres of forest and green space intact, which accounts for a whopping 69% of the site. This means residents will enjoy plenty of outdoor options, including dog parks, cornhole, and pickleball courts. It seems it’s not just about living; it’s about building a community lifestyle!
With a plan to achieve a density of 8.6 units per acre, discussions are ongoing regarding parking spaces. The developers are proposing to request a parking reduction from the standard two spaces per unit to 1.75 spaces per unit. This reduction will help preserve the area’s lovely trees, striking a balance between necessary amenities and nature.
The project team has also reached out to about 200 neighbors to keep the community in the loop, with around 25 locals showing up to discuss the plans at a recent meeting. While there’s excitement, there are also concerns about stormwater runoff and the potential for increased traffic as new residents make the move. But no need to worry—the developer is already working hand-in-hand with township staff to address any feedback regarding density, traffic, parking, and stormwater management.
With this initial approval in hand, the township is set to carry out further site plan reviews, making sure everything looks good before moving ahead. This project is part of a broader effort to meet the growing housing needs in Kent County, and it seems the community is ready to embrace these changes.
So, mark your calendars, Plainfield Township! Something new and exciting is coming your way that promises not only to enhance the community but also to make it a more vibrant place to call home!
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