Transforming A Grand Rapids Block Through Brownfield Redevelopment 

SME® | Published on May 13, 2026

 

 

In Grand Rapids, a once underutilized stretch of land along Division Avenue, Wealthy Street, and Sheldon Avenue has been given new life. A mixed-use block delivers housing choice, community stability, and renewed momentum for the surrounding neighborhood. What makes this transformation especially compelling is not just the result, but how it happened.  

Three separate development projects, led by three different project teams with distinct goals, came together through a shared long-term vision, close collaboration with the City of Grand Rapids, and strategic use of brownfield redevelopment and incentive tools. SME was proud to serve as a key partner on all three projects, providing Environmental Consulting, Economic Development support, and Incentives expertise to help turn challenging sites into community assets.

 

Three Projects, One Vision

While each development on the block stood on its own, together they illustrate the power of coordinated redevelopment when public, private, and nonprofit partners align around a common goal. 

 

Southgate Senior Living | ICCF Community Homes

Led by ICCF Community Homes, Southgate Senior Living brought much-needed, affordable senior housing to the area, reinforcing long-term neighborhood stability while advancing ICCF’s mission-driven approach to development.  

The project required careful navigation of environmentally challenging conditions common to legacy urban sites, along with a thoughtful approach to brownfield incentives to keep the development financially viable. SME supported the project with environmental consulting and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) brownfield grant support, helping position the site for redevelopment while protecting future residents and supporting ICCF’s broader community goals.

 

Wealthy and Sheldon Apartments | Cella Building Company

At the corner of Wealthy Street and Sheldon Avenue, Cella Building Company transformed a long-vacant parcel into a mixed-use development that now contributes housing units and street-level activity near downtown Grand Rapids.  

The site presented several challenges, including urban fill, contaminated soils, and low levels of volatile organic compounds that required the design and implementation of a vapor intrusion mitigation system. SME supported the project through environmental due diligence, due care planning, brownfield tax increment financing (TIF) coordination, and technical collaboration that helped unlock funding for site cleanup and redevelopment.  We also supported construction with geotechnical engineering evaluation and construction materials quality control services.  

The result is a project that demonstrates how technical expertise and incentives tools can work together to make complex urban infill development possible.  

 

Mixed-Income Housing | Stransen Development

The third project on the block, led by  Stransen  Development Group, is focused on delivering mixed-income housing that includes both income-restricted and market-rate units. The development reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive growth, benefiting a wide range of residents.  

SME’s environmental and economic development team supported the project through environmental due diligence, brownfield housing TIF-related services, and state and local grant support, helping the team adapt to evolving project needs while maintaining alignment with city priorities and funding requirements. The project highlights how flexibility and collaboration are essential when balancing affordability, market realities, and redevelopment constraints.  

 

Lessons Shared At The Brownfield Brainstorm

These three projects, and the collaboration behind them, were the centerpiece of SME’s Brownfields Brainstorm, held in Grand Haven, Michigan. The event brought together developers, municipal leaders, and practitioners from across West Michigan to dig into real-world case studies and share lessons learned.  

  • Panelists reflected on several themes that proved critical to success:  
  • The importance of a clear, long-term vision across multiple projects.  
  • Inter-organizational collaboration between developers, municipalities, and consultants.  
  • Leaning on specialized expertise to fully leverage brownfield and economic development tools.  
  • Remaining adaptable and patient as projects evolve and conditions change.  

 

While the developments discussed were urban infill projects, panelists emphasized that these lessons apply across communities of all sizes.  

 

Looking Beyond The Block

The event also highlighted community development momentum in the City of Grand Haven, reinforcing that brownfield redevelopment tools can be adapted to meet the unique needs of different communities. Small-group roundtable discussions and partner updates created space for peer learning and connection, one of the most valuable outcomes of the day.  

 

Moving Redevelopment Forward

The transformation of this Grand Rapids block shows what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and technical expertise come together. At SME, we’re proud to help communities and developers navigate the complexities of brownfield redevelopment, turning underutilized sites into places that support housing, vitality, and long-term growth.  

If you’re considering a redevelopment project or exploring how brownfield, environmental, and incentives strategies can support your goals, we’d welcome the opportunity to connect.