The massive, roughly $350 million project to redevelop Tampas West River area is entering a third phase, which will include a market-rate apartment building and a grocery store.

Related Group, the Miami-based company with a leading role in the project, is planning a 325-unit, market-rate apartment building across North Boulevard from Howard W. Blake High School, according to Albert Milo, president of the companys affordable housing division. Rents in the new complex will start around $1,400.

Related also does intend to bring a national/regional grocer to the project, Milo said.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Related president Jon Paul JP Perez said it would be a Publix. But Thursday, Milo stopped short of naming a company that had been selected, saying Related Group cannot provide any further details on that particular facet of the project at this time.

Publix did not return calls or emails seeking comment.

Milo did say that having a grocery store is important to fulfill the purpose of the project.

This is more than just a straightforward affordable housing redevelopment Related is looking to transform West River into a thriving, diverse community, where all residents have access to a home they can be proud of, including all services necessary for modern life and more, he wrote. Having a place where residents can find fresh, nutritious and fairly priced food is a key part of that vision.

Leroy Moore, the chief operating officer of the Tampa Housing Authority, also said he wasnt allowed to say which grocery store would be part of the development, but added: We do have a grocer and I refer to it as Floridas grocer of choice.

Moore said the neighborhood where the store will go is currently a food desert a term for areas without easy access to affordable and high-quality fresh food.

Without a doubt, its a huge need, he said. All too often workforce and affordable communities are left with less healthy food choices, more costly food choices and convenience-type stores as opposed to mainstay grocer stores, so this is a huge accomplishment.

Moore also said the grocery store will provide jobs within walking distance of many of the apartments, helping nearby residents earn income without transportation costs. Other aspects of the West River redevelopment project are also aimed toward that same goal, including the future construction of a multi-tenant office building, and possibly a hotel, south of Main Street, he said.

This newest phase of development follows the rehabilitation of the 150-unit Mary Bethune High Rise Apartments and the ground-breaking of the three Boulevard Towers, which each have at least 80 percent of their units priced for lower-income residents. Those three towers are still under construction, and other residential buildings are scheduled to begin construction within the next three to six months said Milo, of Related Group.

All in all, there are nearly 1800 units that are either under contract, funded completely or will be reasonably funded within the next year, Moore said, including 820 public housing units plus a mix of market-rate and affordable housing.

Much of the new construction is in the space left behind by the now-demolished North Boulevard Homes public housing project that used to occupy the area. Other projects on nearby land owned by the city could add to the total number of new housing units, Moore said.

Times staff writers Sara DiNatale and Christopher ODonnell contributed to this report.

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Is a new Publix part of next phase of Tampas West River project? - Tampa Bay Times

BEVERLY The former McDonald's restaurant on the Beverly waterfront was finally demolished last week to make way for a planned new restaurant. Not far away on the other side of the Beverly-Salem bridge, people are moving into a new apartment complex, which includes a waterfront walkway that gives the public access to that area for the first time.

Those developments mark the most significant signs of progress in decades for an area of the city that hasfailed to live up to its potential. After years of planning and delay, many are hoping the long-sought revitalization of the city's waterfront is starting to become a reality.

"That waterfront is a gem," said Mike Procopio, whose company built the new Sedna apartments on Congress Street. "It's one of the neatest spots on the North Shore. Bringing residents down to the water will lead to a kind of renaissance of that strip."

Marty Bloom, owner of the restaurant that will replace the McDonald's, said the symbolism of the long-vacant McDonald's finally coming down could wake people up to what is happening on the waterfront and eventually lead to more changes.

"Is this the beginning of the beginning?" Bloom said. "Hopefully it spurs on more rethinking. There are a lot of old buildings down there. Maybe this makes it viable for people to look at what they have and reimagine it. There's no reason in the world why Beverly should not have a world-class waterfront."

City officials dating back to former Mayor Bill Scanlon's administration have viewed the McDonald's site, which the city bought in 1995, as the key to unlocking the waterfront's potential. Previous efforts to lease it out for a restaurant ran afoul of zoning regulations, lawsuits and neighborhood opposition, leaving the former fast-food building to sit mostly idle for decades.

Bloom was the only bidder when the city sought another round of proposals two years ago. He secured final approval in October when the state OK'd a waterways license and neighbors who had opposed the project decided not to appeal.

The restaurant on Water Street will have 350 seats and will be called Mission Boathouse. Bloom saidhe plans to start construction next spring and open in the spring of 2022.

'An experience on the waterfront'

On the other side of the bridge, another long-delayed project is nearing completion. The Sedna apartments is a two-story complex on Congress Street with 62 apartments. One of its buildings opened in October and is 25% occupied, said Procopio, of the Lynnfield-based Procopio Companies. The other building will open in January.

Procopio said the company has gotten an "overwhelmingly positive" response from prospective tenants, particularly from older people who are looking to downsize. Rents range from $2,200 per month for a one-bedroom to $3,900 for a two-bedroom with the best views of the water.

Procopio said the new restaurant will be a "huge amenity" for residents of the new apartments and will help tie the waterfront together and make it more walkable.

"It makes it an experience on the waterfront, not just a place where somebody comes if they have a boat," he said. "Beverly has long been very desirable because of its unique location on the water. Yet much of Beverly has been restricted to single-family homes. We think Sedna really complements that. It brings that lifestyle out of the single-family and down to the waterfront."

Ward 2 City Councilor Estelle Rand, who represents the area, said the new apartment buildings have already had an impact on the neighborhood with its new sidewalks and public walkway. The walkway, which was required under the permitting process for the project, runs along the back of the complex and has benches, new landscaping, five public parking spaces, and great views of Beverly Harbor and the Danvers River.

The site, which was once the home of a business that produced uranium metal powder for the first atomic bomb,was previously occupied by shuttered industrial buildings and had been inaccessible for years.

"The walkway is gorgeous," Rand said. "That's an immediate and positive impact."

Rand said the full impact of the apartments on the neighborhood won't be known until they are fully occupied. Residents have expressed concern about traffic increases and parking crunches as a result of the apartments and the restaurant.

"It's important for me to keep my ears and eyes open for any problems that I can help solve when it comes to congestion and safety," Rand said.

Rand said the next step is to continue the effort to connect the public walkways on the waterfront, which as they stand now don't allow for a continuous route along the water. The apartments and the restaurant might not be accessible to all people from a socio-economic perspective, she said, but the public walkways are for everyone.

"Whether you support a restaurant or the apartments is not as important as realizing that these are landmark projects that should help us achieve our goal of connecting the waterfront," Rand said. "The access to the waterfront is just huge, because that's free. We can all enjoy that."

Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

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On the rise: At last, signs of movement on the Beverly waterfront - The Salem News

This5-story, 7-unit congregate residence with 132 sleeping rooms and 4 live-work units is proposed to be built at 5011 15th NW in Ballard. The design has been under development since 2018. A Land Use Application has been filed with the City of Seattle.

Hybrid Architecture image

A Land Use Application has been filed with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to allow a 5-story, 7-unit congregate residence with 132 sleeping rooms and 4 live-work units to be built at 5011 15th NW in Ballard. No parking is proposed. The existing building willbe demolished. Early design guidance is conducted under 3032087-EG

The project has been in process since 2018 and is called PONTE and is being designed by Hybrid Architecture in Seattle.

It's been the subject of public meetings and has been through some design review board changes since the first submission.

Development Objectives

Provide mix of congregate and small efficiency dwelling units for single residents to live in an efficient but communal setting with shared kitchens and amenity lounge areas.

134 units

101 bicycle parking stalls (as req)

0 vehicular parking stalls (none are req)

The site is along a very busy intersection with a high volume of auto traffic at all hours of the day.

The site is located just north of the 15th Ave bridge and just southeast of downtown Ballard, which will provide future residents of this building with a variety of civic, commercial and recreational activities.

This project will activate a site that is currently occupied by a one - two story office / retail building along with an at grade parking lot.

This area is transitioning from industrial to residential and is in the process of establishing a new architectural character. This project aims to both acknowledge some of the industrial charm of the area while helping bring a contemporary architectural nature to the context.

Create welcoming courtyard environment

- a place for residents and guests to engage with outdoors

Provide a variety of efficient units

- maximize height and light / bright colors and tall ceilings

Establish sense of enclosure and privacy within busy context

- try to block noise from car wash & traffic from 15th Ave NW

Ecological & Sustainable

- harness rainwater in bio planters, use efficient and durable materials

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following public comments were offered at this meeting:

Concerned that parking is not proposed and resulting impacts to on-street parking in the surrounding area.

Concerned with the design and location of bicycle storage.

Questioned the timeline for approval and construction.

Concerned regarding the setback from the west property line and relationship to the adjacent structure.

1. Massing:

a. The Board expressed disappointment that massing options 1 and 2 were not developed to the same level as option 3. However, the Board agreed that option 3 best responds to the character of the three frontages and supported this option as the basis for further refinement. (CS2-C-1 Corner Sites, CS2-D-1 Existing

Development and Zoning)

b. The Board felt the L-shaped volumes were too boxy and gave guidance to further articulate the massing. (DC2-A-2 Reducing Perceived Mass)

c.The Board agreed that the massing volumes should be perceived as two separate structures. This could potentially be accomplished by differentiating the height of the L-shaped forms. (DC2-A-2 Reducing Perceived Mass, CS2-C-1 Corner Sites, CS2-D-1 Existing Development and Zoning)

d. The Board discussed the horizontal modulation along the alley faade which is driven by the alley dedication requirement. Modulation of the alley faade should be developed as a cohesive element of the overall design concept. (CS2-C-1 Corner Sites, CS2-D-1 Existing Development and Zoning)

2. Courtyard & Amenity Area:

a. The Board discussed the size of the courtyard and noted that the precedent image provided in the EDG packet (pg. 29) showed a courtyard approximately 18 wide. The Board agreed that the proposed 10 width did not provide adequate privacy and access to natural light and air for units facing the courtyard. (CS2-B Sunlight and Natural Ventilation)

b. Noting the communal aspect of the building, the Board emphasized the importance of amenity area for small residential units and strongly agreed that the amount of amenity area provided should be adequate for the number of users. (PL1-C Outdoor Uses and Activities, DC3-B-1 Meeting User Needs, DC3-C-2 Amenities/Features, PL1- A-1 Network of Open Spaces)

3. Arrangement of Ground Floor Uses & Street Level Activation:

a. The Board noted that the structure will be precedent setting for new development along 15th Ave NW and agreed that the proposal should consider the future character of the street rather than responding to the current context. Therefore, the Board requested active uses be located along 15th Ave NW to interact with the street frontage. (CS2-B-2 Connection to the Street, CS3-A-4 Evolving Neighborhoods, PL1-B Walkways and Connections)

b. In addition to the lack of activation of the street, the Board was also concerned with privacy, noise and air quality impacts for ground level residential units along 15th Ave NW and the alley. The Board provided guidance to resolve the ground plane design to mitigate these impacts for ground level residential units. (PL3-B-1 Security and Privacy, Pl3-B-2 Ground-level Residential)

c. The Board supported the location of the residential entry on NW 51st street. (PL3-A Entries)

d. The Board discussed the high number of move-ins anticipated and recommended consideration of how and where loading will occur. (PL1-B Walkways and Connections)

4. Facade Composition

a. The Board noted the severe wall condition proposed on 15th Ave NW as well as the high visibility of the faade and gave guidance to break down the boxy character and further articulate the mass, which could include lowering the height. (DC2-A-2

Reducing Perceived Mass, DC2-B-1 Faade Composition)

b. The Board observed that the signage feels applied to the faade and provided guidance to integrate the signage with the design concept and create a cohesive faade composition. (DC2-B-1 Faade Composition, DC4-B Signage)

c. The Board discussed the material cladding strategy described on pg. 26 of the EDG packet and questioned whether the materials for each L-shaped volume should be more related. The cladding relationship of the two masses should be further studied. At the Recommendation phase the Board expects to review a fully developed concept for the exterior cladding. (DC4-B-1 Exterior Finish Materials, DC2-B-1 Faade Composition)

5. Bike Storage

a. The Board stated concern with the security of the exterior bike storage and encouraged internal storage areas. Further development of the design should create secure bike storage. (PL4-B-2 Bike Facilities, PL4-B-1 Early Planning)

6. Universal Access

a. As concerns regarding the amenity area are resolved, one Board member recommended consideration of including an elevator to provide universal access throughout the structure. (PL2-A Accessibility)

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Five story 132 "sleeping room" apartment coming to 15th NW in Ballard - Westside Seattle

This is Scheme 3, the preferred massing scheme for the 77 unit, 5 story apartment building proposed for 9208 20th SW. No parking is proposed.

Image by Atelier Drome

A Land Use Application has been filed with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspectionsto allow a 5-story, 77-unit apartment building with 73 apartments, 4 small efficiency dwelling units, and office at 9208 20th Ave SW.

No parking is proposed. The existing building wouldbe demolished. Early Design Guidance conducted under 3036618- EG.

The project is being designed by architectural firm Atelier Drome.

CONTEXT + SITE

The project is located in the Westwood Highland Park residential urban village, a neighborhood currently in transition since much of it was up-zoned through recent HALA legislation. A mixed area, comprised of primarily single family and low rise zones served by pockets of commercial zoning clustered along Delridge Way SW and also Westwood Village Shopping Mall to the west; the urban village serves as both an anchor for the Westwood Highland park neighborhood, and an intersection point for much of the expanding public and bicycle transit planning in the area. New development in response to the increased height and density potential of the rezoning has begun and is expected to continue at a larger scale. With a full block of frontage along the north end of the parcel, and located at the intersection of the Delridge Way SW arterial and two neighborhood access roads, the project has the opportunity to be a foothold for the larger scale commercial development to come. At present, there is low-scale commercial activity along both sides of Delridge Way SW in the form of single-story, stand-alone buildings as well as a mix of older single-family homes with newer townhouse and 3-4 story apartment building developments (the project is located kitty-corner to the larger developments to the NW including Bluestone and Livingstone apartments). On the west side of the site is an existing single-family residential neighborhood that was recently up-zoned to LR3(M) from LR3 and RSL(M) from SF5000. The parcel immediately to the south is zoned NC3-55(M) and is developed with a cell phone tower as well as smaller scale accessory structures. Beyond that parcel are LR1(M) lots which were rezoned from SF5000. The site has good solar access throughout the day and year as most of the nearby buildings to the south are of a smaller scale. For now, the future building will provide views towards the Puget Sound and downtown at the upper levels.

The site is well served by public transit along Delridge Way SW, with multiple bus routes providing connections to downtown Seattle, Georgetown, Tukwila and Southcenter. The planned H line Rapid Ride line will provide transit stops at SW Henderson Street and SW Barton Street within easy walking distance of the proposed building site. Pedestrian sidewalks and main vehicular access are provided on all three street fronts of the parcel. The closest cycling routes are the neighborhood greenways along 16th Avenue SW and 30th Ave SW, and Delridge Way SW is currently hosts a sharrow with future bike lanes planned.

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5 story 77 unit apartment bldg. proposed for 9200 block of 20th SW; No parking - Westside Seattle

PERI, the German distributor of COBODs 3D construction printers, revealed the project in Germany (Wallenhausen) at a press conference on November 17, 2020.

The three floors building in Germany follows only 2 months after PERI revealed the first 3D printed building in Germany, a two floor building (link) and a few months after COBODs Belgian customer, Kamp C, revealed Europes first 3D printed two floors building in Belgium. The video (see link here) from the 3D printing of the Belgian building has gone viral and has been seen more than 400,000 times as a testament to the growing popularity of the technology.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD commented: We are incredibly pleased, that we are beginning to see the fruits of the many 3D construction printers we have sold. The actual building projects have been delayed by the Coronavirus, but now they start to be revealed. This new German project is really a great milestone as the commercial nature of the building proves the competitiveness of the 3D construction printing technology for three floors buildings and apartment buildings. This, again, opens entirely new markets for our printers.

PERI globally is one of the leading suppliers of formwork equipment for manual casting of concrete. PERIs involvement in automated 3D construction printing is noticeable and a sign that the conventional construction sector has realised that automation and digitalisation of the construction industry is the future, including using 3D construction printers.

Thomas Imbacher, Innovation and Marketing Director at PERI GmbH, explained: We are very confident, that 3D construction printing will become increasingly important in certain market segments over the coming years and has considerable potential. By printing the first apartment building on-site, we are demonstrating that this new technology can also be used to print large scale dwellings units. In terms of 3D construction printing, we are opening up additional areas of application on an entirely new level.

Sebastian Rupp, future managing director at the family owned Michael Rupp Bauunternehmung added: We believe that this new technology has enormous potential for the future, and we want to help shape that future. Despite the traditional nature of our craft, we are also innovative and do not shy away from new challenges quite the opposite in fact.

PERI is printing the apartment building with the help of COBODs BOD2 printer. The BOD2 has a modular build and can be extended in any direction with modules of 2,5 metres. For the new building PERI is using a BOD2 of 12.5m (W) * 20m (L) * 7,5m (H). The BOD2 printer has a maximum speed of 100 cm/sec, equivalent to printing or casting 10 tons of concrete per hour with only 2 operators of the printer required. The BOD2 has also been used to make large concrete structures like the worlds first 3D printed windmill tower of 10 metres, that COBOD did under a long term cooperation with GE Renewable Energy, which was also revealed just prior to this summer. See link here.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen concluded: The BOD2 is a very flexible printer. For this print PERI has chosen to use a long printer, whereas we used a much shorter but taller printer for printing of the 10m tower for GE. This was the whole idea behind the modular design of the BDO2 printer it is always possible to find a size that meets the customers need.

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World's first on-site 3D printed apartment building on 3 floors begun with COBOD printer - BIM Ireland.ie

Kolleen OP Cobb and 591 Evernia Street (FECI, Google Maps)

New York Lifes real estate investment arm paid $114.8 million for the apartment tower next to Brightlines West Palm Beach station.

Brightline parent Florida East Coast Industries, one of Floridas oldest and largest real estate and infrastructure holding companies, sold the 24-story, 290-unit Park-Line Palm Beaches building at 591 Evernia Street, according to property records.

FECI General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer Kolleen Cobb signed the deed.

Coral Gables-based FECI is also the parent of Flagler Global Logistics, an integrated logistics company, and Flagler, a full service commercial real estate company. FECI is part of Fortress Investment Group, which is owned by Japans SoftBank Group.

FECI developed the West Palm apartment building in partnership with Lincoln Property Company, and completed construction in 2018.

Rents at Park-Line start at $1,625 a month, according to the propertys website. Amenities include a gym, game room, lounge and pool.

In January, Brightline launched leasing of Park-Line Miami apartment towers at Virgin MiamiCentral.

Last month, the Miami-Dade County Commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing further discussions with Brightline, Florida East Coast Railway and the county to create a commuter rail. Under the resolution, the county would pay Brightline a lump sum of up to $50 million and an annual track access fee of up to $12 million a year for 30 years, in exchange for providing access to an affordable commuter rail train system.

Brightline suspended service in March and laid off 250 employees due to the pandemic. In August, Brightline and Virgin Trains ended their partnership agreement in South Florida.

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New York Life buys Brightline West Palm apartments for $115M - The Real Deal

GUILDERLAND In a 4-to-1 vote on Dec. 1, the Guilderland Town Board authorized the town to file a notice of appeal in the resident-backed lawsuit that stopped the construction of a 222-unit development on Rapp Road as well as a proposed Costco Wholesale store.

The vote was taken after the board had exited an executive session to discuss pending litigation. The states Open Meetings Law allows elected boards to discuss proposed, pending, or current litigation in closed session. However, the law requires any motions or votes to be public.

Councilwoman Laurel Bohl cast the sole dissenting vote, Town Clerk Lynne Buchanan told The Enterprise on Monday; Supervisor Peter Barber had made the motion to file the appeal and Councilwoman Rosemary Centi seconded the motion.

Prior to her 2019 election to the board, Bohl, a Democrat, headed the Guilderland Citizens (now Coalition) for Responsible Growth, a citizens watchdog group, and had often been critical of Guilderlands boards as being too lenient toward developers. The other four members of the town board are also Democrats.

Bohl was also the lone dissenter in August when the Guilderland Town Board passed a resolution, 4 to 1, to let the Champlain Hudson Power Express Inc. run underground lines through the town to bring electric power from Canada to the New York City area.

Albany County Supreme Court Judge Peter Lynch on Nov. 20 ruled in favor of a group of Westmere residents and a Guilderland gas-station owner who were seeking to stop the projects.

Pyramid Management Group, whose affiliated limited-liability corporation Rapp Road Development is the projects developer, has already said it will appeal Lynchs decision, which was made at the lowest level in the states three-tiered court system.

Barber did not return a call seeking comment.

James Bacon, the attorney who brought the case against the town and Pyramid, told The Enterprise that, with Pyramid stating it would appeal the decision, theres nothing atypical about the town filing an appeal as well.

Asked if he thought Lynchs decision would hold up on appeal, Bacon said, Predicting what happens at the Appellate Division is like trying to read tea leaves, but I think we made a strong case and I think the court made a very thorough determination.

But he added that hes seen plenty of cases where defeat has been snatched from the jaws of victory.

Save the Pine Bush on Nov. 27 filed a second suit against the town and company over the projects in the interest of preserving its rights in the event that Pyramid is able to move forward with its proposals, for example, in the event of reversal or dismissal of the prior decision of this Court, the not-for-profit organizations court filing states.

Pyramids proposal included developing three sites:

Site 1, a 19-acre plot at Rapp and Gipp roads for 222 apartments and townhouses, with the possibility for another 90 apartments to be built on the site.

Specifically, Pyramid was proposing three two-story townhouse-style buildings, with 10 units in each building, totaling 30 units, on the west side of the property. On either side of the entrance to the property, the developer was proposing two five-story apartment buildings, one with 94 units and the other with 98 units. The project additionally included about 3,900 square feet of commercial space. The company was also proposing a total of 362 parking spots: 84 indoor spaces and 278 outdoor spots;

Site 2, sixteen acres at Western Avenue and Crossgates Mall Road for a Costco, a membership-only, 160,000-square-foot warehouse-price club, that would offer gasoline service and 700 parking spots; and

Site 3: Eleven acres between the Costco site and Pyramids hotel on Western Avenue that could be used for retail, offices, or apartments. There were no current development plans for Site 3 however, Pyramid did present a zoning-compliant conceptual plan that could include 115,000 square feet of retail space, 50,000 square feet of office space, and 48 apartments.

Westmere residents Lisa and Thomas Hart and Kevin and Sarah McDonald, along with gas-station owner Jonathan Kaplan filed their suit in September after it took the planning board eight-and-half minutes to approve the Pyramids Rapp Road and Western Avenue projects at a previously-not-scheduled late August meeting. Kaplan has since sold his eight convenience stores, three car washes, and gas-distribution business to Stewarts Shops.

The issue, Lynch wrote in his Nov. 20 decision, was whether the Guilderland Planning Board had complied with its obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act procedurally and substantively. It did not, on both counts, Lynch concluded.

In his decision, Lynch wrote that the planning board had violated the procedure set out by the act as well as the hard look test, a three-part test that requires an agency reviewing an action to: identify the areas of environmental concern; analyze the areas of concern to determine if the action may have a significant adverse impact; and support its determination with evidence.

In violating SEQRA procedure and the hard look test, Lynch declared null and void the boards acceptance of both the draft and final environmental impact statements; the August issuance of a findings statement justifying its approval of the project; and the October granting of site-plan approval for Pyramids 222-unit apartment and townhome development.

Throughout his 77-page decision, Lynch pointed to omissions that the planning board failed to take into consideration when making its decision.

The historical and cultural significance of the Rapp Road Historic District, Lynch wrote, cannot be overstated, and, in turn, cannot be ignored under the hard look test. The district is a neighborhood of small homes, many of them hand-built by African Americans who arrived in the pinebush, largely from Mississippi during the Great Migration.

With the closest homes just a few hundred feet away from proposed five-story buildings, the planning board failed to consider any alternative with reduced building height.

Lynch even injected a note of sarcasm into his analysis.

Pointing out that the draft environmental impact statement adopted by the planning board in February claimed Pyramids projects would not be out of character with the area, rather they are authorized pursuant to Town of Guilderlands [Transit-Oriented Development District] TOD district.

Really? Lynch wrote, Since when do high-rise buildings comport with the character of historical one story bungalows.

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Guilderland to appeal judges decision that halted Pyramid projects - The Altamont Enterprise

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought ups and downs for West Michigans construction industry activity and competition has increased in areas like school bond projects, while the hospitality and office sectors saw major slowdowns.

Across the region, though, several major developments remain on the horizon. They range from marquee developments that have been in works for years to some that were unveiled during and are being guided by market forces resulting from the public health crisis.

Heres a look at major projects planned across West Michigan:

A former Southwest Michigan industrial site in Vicksburg is undergoing a massive $80 million redevelopment. The project was the second in the state to receive transformational brownfield incentives to turn the historic Lee Paper Mill into what will include an 84-room hotel, brewery, distillery, beer garden and restaurant.

The goal is to create a regional destination focused on beer, events and live music, said Jackie Koney, director of operations for Paper City Development LLC.

The project was initially planned to open in phases starting in 2022, but developers are now holding off until all aspects of the development are completed for an anticipated 2025 grand opening, Koney said. Construction started in June 2019, of which portions were delayed by the pandemic this summer.

Paper City Development was founded by Vicksburg native Chris Moore, who now lives in Seattle where he opened Old Stove Brewery five years ago and also owns software firm Concord Technologies. Moore will open a second location of Old Stove Brewery, as well as a brewery museum, as part of the development.

We want it to be a brewery destination, Koney said.

Despite some delays this year, construction is progressing. Six buildings that were not historic were removed from the property, exterior masonry has been completed, and work is now starting on interior renovations.

Between removing the exterior buildings and cleaning up the brick, it looks stunning, Koney said. Instead of white and gray paint, youre seeing new paint and steel. Its to the point where people cant see what it looked like before.

A five-story, mixed-use building with luxury condominiums is planned for 159 South River Ave. in Holland. Four medical suites will take up the second floor of the building, which will have parking on site for patients and tenants. The project is also expected to include retail space on the main floor of the facility.

Condo units will range from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet and will include one- to three-bedroom units at market rates. The facility will include a fitness center and a community terrace bordered by a green roof system.

Its a very unique project, its luxury living in downtown Holland, which I think is a very attractive area, said Mike Corby, executive vice president at Integrated Architecture LLC. There arent many walkable downtowns that compare to Holland in the state of Michigan. Its a nice example of a mixed-use project with condominiums, retail and medical.

The buildings modern design includes nine individual but connected towers, which will allow for scenic views and natural light in all of the units, Corby said.

The existing building on the site is expected to be demolished in the next several weeks, and site work is could begin in mid to late December. Construction is expected to be completed sometime in 2022.

Were looking forward to bringing some stylish architecture into town. We see that theres a need for high-end residential property in downtown Holland, said project developer Dennis Jacobs. The development thats been done by GDK and others to extend Eighth Street and at the Civic Center creates a need for this project.

A 10-story market rate residential development is planned for a former bank building at downtown property owned by the city of Muskegon. Upwards of $10 million will be invested in the redevelopment at the corner of First Street and Clay Avenue.

Plans include 50-60 apartment units in the first phase, which is expected to be completed in 2021. An additional 12-16 units are planned for phase two, which is expected to be finished in 2022.

This serves one of our biggest economic development initiatives, which is increasing residential development in downtown, said Jake Eckholm, Muskegons economic development director.

Eckholm also noted the projects African American-owned construction team led by Michigan State University Trustees Joel Ferguson and Brianna Scott.

Its a large-scale development, so its great we can bring some diversity to the project, Eckholm said.

Ferguson Development LLC spent nearly $300,000 investigating the site to determine if it could retain the existing frame of the structure, Eckholm said. The developers learned they could keep the steel frame, which will result in some efficiency on the project, he said.

The original intent was to use the first floor as commercial space, which changed when the pandemic hit, Eckholm said. Instead, robust tenant amenities are planned for the first floor, which include a large packaging room, meeting spaces, a game room, and leasable offices to accommodate people working from home, Eckholm said.

With the advent of COVID-19 wreaking havoc on the commercial real estate market, it is harder for those ventures to get funded, Eckholm said. If the market recovers in the future, we can still convert some of that space for commercial use.

The former site of Klover Gold Creamery is transforming into a mixed-use development in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood. The three-story building will have 48 residential units, including 38 dedicated to tenants who make 30 percent or below Kalamazoo Countys area median income.

The facility will include a YWCA daycare with a natural outdoor play area, a co-working space, Hollander Development Corp. offices, retail space, outdoor patios, a rooftop terrace, exercise room and group gathering room. The project is planned to be LEED Platinum-certified with solar panels on the roof.

Construction is wrapping up on the $14.7 million project, and the apartments should be completed by the end of January 2021, said Michael Flynn, vice president of Byce & Associates Inc.

This was really a group effort with the neighborhood association to come up with an organic design for the community, Flynn said.

Perrigo Co. plc is relocating its North American corporate headquarters to downtown Grand Rapids as part of the Michigan State University Grand Rapids Innovation Park under development at 430 Monroe Ave. NW.

The company plans to invest nearly $44.8 million in what will be a 63,550-square-foot facility, which is expected to create 170 new jobs on Medical Mile. The company received a $2 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund for the project on Oct. 27.

Its about as significant as it gets in my business, The Right Place Inc. CEO Birgit Klohs previously told MiBiz of landing a downtown headquarters. It is an unbelievable success. Having a global company downtown is huge. It cant be overestimated how important it is.

The new office will primarily house corporate and functional leadership as well as some administrative roles. The facility will include an adaptable, collaborative workspace.

The McCamly Plaza Hotel is getting a facelift and rebranding after being closed since November 2019. After acquiring the property from its previous owner on Nov. 3, Battle Creek Unlimited is planning a complete renovation of the 15-story, 239-room hotel in downtown Battle Creek, located at 50 Capital Ave. SW.

The economic development organization has retained Suburban Inns to assist with rebranding and renovations, and plans to reopen the hotel in 2022. The project is expected to help attract international business travel to the area. The hotel includes event space for conferences and conventions and is connected to Kellogg Arena.

Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski said he is confident this property can be transformed into a showpiece thats a regional draw for Battle Creek.

The project is still in the planning and design phase, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2021, Sobieralski said.

Im extremely excited about this project. Its a pivotal piece in the revitalization of downtown, even though its a little bit outside our wheelhouse, but that makes it an even more exciting project.

After a temporary delay this spring because of the pandemic, construction is wrapping up on the Lakeshore Convention Center in downtown Muskegon, which will serve as a conference and event venue set to be completed early next year.

The new 45,000-square-foot venue at 470 W. Western Ave. is attached to the Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon as well as Mercy Health Arena.

The new convention center is designed to accommodate groups of up to 1,000 people in its 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

A 133-unit condominium and apartment project will soon become downtown Grand Havens largest residential development. The project, at 125 Elliot Ave., is on the former Stanco property, a 4.66-acre site near Grand Havens waterfront.

The project developer is Kevin McGraw, president of East Lansing-based River Caddis Development LLC, and construction is planned in a single phase.

The project includes 124 market-rate apartments ranging in size from efficiency to two-bedroom units. Nine condominium units are also planned along Second Street. The Grand Haven City Council reportedly gave unanimous support for the project last month.

The public alley between four downtown Kalamazoo buildings 229-251 E. Michigan Ave. and the recently completed $100 million Catalyst building at 180 E. Water St. is being redeveloped into a shared community space called Haymarket Plaza. The project will feature a snowmelt system, lighting, outdoor furniture, an open area for entertainment and food trucks, as well as a three-dimensional art display that will project local art from the community.

Project funding managed by the Monroe-Brown Foundation came from a variety of sources, including the city of Kalamazoo, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign that raised nearly $54,000. Millions of dollars were invested to install the snowmelt system, and the art display will cost about $220,000, said Fritz Brown, a partner at Treystar.

There is nothing like it anywhere in any city our size, Brown said. This 3-D projection mapping is really cool and brings a big city feel to it, and is a huge picture that will be projected on the side of the Haymarket building.

Projectors for the development will arrive later this month, but will not be used until June 2021 when the outdoor furniture is also installed, Brown said.

Project developers originally planned to open the plaza this month, but the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the projects urgency.

Were excited about it and cant wait to show everybody, Brown said.

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9 Projects to watch in West Michigan - MiBiz: West Michigan Business News

Construction has kicked off on a nine-story, 130-unit apartment building at 18th and Florida streets in the Mission and, once complete, apartments there will be entirely below-market-rate.

Mayor London Breeds Friday announcement of the groundbreaking at 681 Florida St. means that seven of the eight 100 percent affordable projects proposed in the Mission years ago totaling some 800 units are either filled, taking applications, or under construction.

We know as a community that Casa Adelante 681 Florida is an integral part of reversing the displacement of the Latinx and immigrant community, said Karoleen Feng, the director of community real estate at the Mission Economic Development Agency, which is co-developing the project with the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation.

We are equally excited for the Mission community to see this space once again be reimagined as a home for the arts, Feng said.

The building will provide a mix of one to three-bedroom apartments whose rent will range from 35 to 85 percent of the area median income. (Thirty-one percent of the area median income for one person in San Francisco is $31,400, and 85 percent is $76,200 for a single person.)

Construction is expected to wrap up in August 2022.

Carnaval San Francisco, a nonprofit that organizes the annual Carnaval Parade event but has since organized around community Covid-19 support, will occupy the ground floor.

The project will cost $90.3 million to build. The developers received $35 million from the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development.

The property on Florida Street between 18th and 19th streets is one of seven 100 percent affordable projects to break ground in the Mission in the last two years. It was granted to the city by Nick Podell as part of the community benefits package for 2000 Bryant St., a now-completed 195-unit market-rate building on the same parcel.

Roberto Hernandez, a community activist and artistic director of Carnaval San Francisco, said the Mission community fought Podell hard for the slice of land after Cell Space, an artist hub, was evicted there to make way for luxury development.

We come full circle and look forward to sharing the space with artists and arts organizations and serving the residential community! Hernandez said.

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Seventh 100 percent affordable apartment building breaks ground in Mission District - Mission Local

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that construction has begun on a new 55-apartment affordable housing complex in the City of Batavia, Genesee County. The $14.5 million development includes 28 apartments set aside for veterans who have a history of homelessness and who need supportive services in order to live independently.

"New Yorkers and their families deserve safe, affordable homes, and veterans who have struggled with chronic homelessness are no exception,"Governor Cuomo said."This exciting new project in the City of Batavia will help our veterans who have given so much for our nation. Providing them and other area residents with new housing will provide comfort and financial security during a difficult time."

"All New Yorkers, especially our brave veterans who served to protect us, should have a roof over their heads and the decency of a good home,"said Lieutenant Governor KathyHochul."This housing development in Batavia will provide affordable housing for people in the area, including veterans who have struggled with homelessness and need supportive services. Now more than ever, as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to make sure New Yorkers have the resources and services they need to live healthy and safe lives. This project in the Finger Lakes is part of our efforts across the state to build back better and more inclusive and enhance quality of life."

Liberty Square is part of Governor Cuomo's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing under the State's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes multifamily housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing.

The development will rise on a site made vacant by the demolition of three derelict buildings on East Main Street. The new four-story Liberty Square will have 55 affordable apartments serving households earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income. Six of the apartments will be fully adaptable for people with mobility impairment and three separate units will be equipped for people with audio or visual impairment.

Twenty-eight of the apartments will be dedicated as supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans receiving services and rental subsidies through Governor Cuomo's Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Eagle Star Housing will provide supportiveservices and will have an office and counseling space on-site. The project's developer is Home Leasing.

There are eight studio, 39 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments.Shared amenities includea community room, a fitness center, private patios and balconies, secure interior bicycle storage, raised garden beds, a fenced playground, an on-site management office, on-site parking, and bulk storage incorporated into the apartments.

Energy efficiency and Green Building design requirementswill be incorporatedthroughout the complex, including Energy Star appliances and fixtures in all apartments. This will allow certification under NYSERDA's Low-Rise New Construction Program and Enterprise Green Communities Version 2015 program.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal financing for Liberty Square includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $10.5 million in equity and nearly $4 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program. In addition, NYSERDA will provide a grant of $53,000under its Low-Rise New Construction Program.Redstone Equity Partners is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits equity investor and Five Star Bank is providing construction financing for the project.

Since 2011, HCR has dedicated $604 million in the Finger Lakes Region to finance 95 multifamily developments, resulting in the creation or preservation of nearly 7,500 affordable homes, including 216 in Genesee County. HCR's investment in the region has leveraged $890 million more in funding from other sources.

HCR CommissionerRuthAnneVisnauskassaid, "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused previously unimaginable harm and disruption, but it hasn't stopped the team at HCR from carrying out Governor Cuomo's mission to create, preserve and protect affordable housing across the state. It is intensely gratifying to see this essential work continue with Liberty Square - especially when the development dedicates 28 homes for our heroes, as this one does, and another 27 for families. I thank and commend the HCR team and our partners and look forward to welcoming the new tenants to this wonderful new building in Batavia."

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Mike Hein said,"We have an obligation to ensure all New Yorkers have a safe, stable place to call home - especially those who have served in our nation's armed forces. Liberty Square will provide a fresh start for more than two dozen veterans in Genesee County, while breathing new life into a formerly derelict swath of East Main Street. Projects like this continue the work started by Governor Cuomo's landmark five-year housing plan and reaffirms New York's steadfast commitment to ending homelessness among our veterans once and for all."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Acting President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said,"Delivering the benefits of our green economy to allNew Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable residents, is a hallmark of Governor Cuomo's clean energy transition and nation-leading climate agenda. Transforming neglected properties or sites into energy efficient and affordable homes with services for our nation's heroes who served in the U.S. military is something NYSERDA is proud to support and we look forward to the completion of Liberty Square."

Senator MichaelRanzenhofersaid,"Investing in our region is extremely important. I am glad to see construction starting on this project. It is great to see the creation of veterans' housing, supporting those who served our county is imperative."

Assembly Member Stephen Hawley said,"Our veterans have given their all to defend their country, it's only right that we as a community continue to do our part for them and give them our all. With the construction of Liberty Square,I'mproud to see Batavia continue to find ways to take care of its people, and I eagerly anticipate the results of construction. But more so, I'm thrilled that our veterans will continue to find the support they so rightly deserve."

County Manager Matt Landers said,"I am very happy to see a project like this that benefits disabled veterans come to fruition. This country owes a great deal for the sacrifice made by our veterans and projects like this are essential in order to meet the needs of these disabled heroes."

City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Jr., said,"The City of Batavia welcomes Home Leasing as they provide the much needed veteran, seniors, and workforce housing to our community. Home Leasing has a positive history of building, maintaining and managing properties across upstate New York and this project will be a great addition to our city"

CEO of Home Leasing Bret Garwood said,"Home Leasing is extremely proud to start construction of Liberty Square in Batavia and thankful to the community and our partners. Liberty Square will provide an excellent home for families and veterans as well as contribute to the vitality of Batavia."

Zach Fuller, Eagle Star Housing Executive Directorsaid, "We are very excited to embark on this amazing project with Home Leasing in Batavia! We are continuously striving to better the lives of all Veterans that we serve. This project will deliver 28much neededaffordable apartments to our Veteran community.Eagle Star strives to provide the highest quality care and options for our Veterans and is looking forward to continuing our relationships with our community partners in the supportive City of Batavia. We thank everyone who helped make our vision a reality."

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward

Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - investing in key industries including photonics,agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is availablehere.

About Home Leasing

Rochester-based Home Leasing specializes in the development, construction, and management of high-quality apartment communities. Founded in 2006 by veteran real estate developer and former co- CEO and co-Chairman of Home Properties NelsonLeenhouts, the company is owned and operated by three generations of theLeenhoutsFamily. Home Leasing today employs over 170 people who provide support to or are directly involved in the day-to-day operations of affordable, mixed-income and market rate residential communities across New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. With its construction company, Home Leasing Construction, Home Leasing builds quality housing that its team of certified property managers and maintenance personnel efficiently oversee. Home Leasing and Home Leasing Construction are Certified Benefit Corporations.

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Governor Cuomo Announces Start of Construction on $14.5 Million Affordable Housing Development in Batavia - ny.gov