New apartment construction soared in 2014 as renters clamored for housing near downtown

GRAND RAPIDS, MI The market for new apartments came roaring back in 2014 as builders met a resurgent demand for rental housing in Grand Rapids and its suburbs.

More than 668 apartment units were under construction in Kent County during 2014, a 267 percent increase over 2013, when 182 units were started, according to statistics collected by Builder Track Reports.

Home building activity was up across the board in Kent County last year, according to Builder Track, which compiles building permits throughout West Michigan.

Condominium starts were up 59 percent and duplexes were up 187 percent. Single family home starts also were strong, growing 7.7 percent over 2013. In total, 2,006 housing units were started last year, a 50 percent increase over 2013.

Were looking at 2015 bringing the same level of growth as 2014, said Emily Lubbers, executive officer for the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids.

Lubbers said the surge in apartment construction may begin to slow as the recovery matures and renters evolve into home buyers.

The report marks a dramatic turnaround for the multi-family housing market from 2011, when no apartment units were started in Kent County and 2010, when only 20 units were under construction.

While most of the rental units 512 -- were under construction in Grand Rapids last year, the trends also emerged in the suburbs. In Cascade Township, 126 rental units were started last year, according to the statistics.

Grand Rapids has been one of the nations hottest markets for apartments and condominiums for the past two years as millennials and empty-nesters clamor for convenient housing in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

RELATED: Grand Rapids ranked as the nation's best place to own rental property

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New apartment construction soared in 2014 as renters clamored for housing near downtown