$854K in stimulus funds awarded for upgrades to apartments in Grand Rapids' Southtown

Adams Park Apartments are in line for improvements thanks to an $854,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Owned by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, Adams Park Apartments offers 188 units to low income residents. Every apartment is occupied, but the circa 1960 building is in need of maintenance repairs, equipment upgrades and an improved fire and security system, says Carlos Sanchez, housing commission executive director.

"We'll be replacing windows, painting the interior halls and stairwell, replacing carpeting and upgrading the fire alarm system," Sanchez says. "The big ticket will be upgrading the fire alarm system for about $82,000, and another $56,000 for smoke detectors throughout building."

Other changes include new security cameras, a new roof and replacing outdated kitchen appliances in 100 of the units with energy efficient models.

M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group designed the renovation. A construction manager has not been selected.

Sanchez expects construction to begin the fall and last about 12 months.

Source: Carlos Sanchez, Grand Rapids Housing Commission

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].


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