In Grand Rapids, an underutilized block at Division, Wealthy, and Sheldon has been redeveloped as a mixed-use destination supporting housing choice and neighborhood stability. What makes the revitalization unique is the collaboration behind it, three independent projects aligned through a shared vision, strong City partnership, and effective use of brownfield and incentive tools. SME partnered on all three, providing Environmental, Economic Development, and Incentives Consulting.

Southgate Senior Living

ICCF Community Homes

This development brought much-needed, affordable senior housing to the area, reinforcing long-term neighborhood stability while supporting 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 EGLE brownfield grant support, helping position the site for redevelopment.

Wealthy and Sheldon Apartments

Cella Building Company

The mixed-use site presented several challenges – 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 TIF coordination, and technical collaboration that helped unlock funding for site cleanup and redevelopment. During construction, SME provided geotechnical engineering evaluation and construction materials quality control services.

Mixed-Income Housing Development

Stransen Development Group

SME’s Environmental and Economic Development team supported the mixed-income housing project through environmental due diligence, brownfield TIF-related services, and state and local grant support tied to the site, helping the team adapt to evolving project needs while maintaining alignment with city priorities and funding requirements.