By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In 2007, the new owners of the former Berkey and Gay furniture factory building, circa 1892, began a monumental revitalization process to convert hundreds of apartments to custom-built condominiums. Of the 235 condo renovations at what’s now called Boardwalk Condominiums, only 42 units remain; they are still occupied as apartments, but available for purchase and renovation.
Since renovation began, several retail businesses moved into the building, 940 Monroe NW: Liquid Cargo Coffee Shop, Curtis Cleaners and J.D. Reardon’s Restaurant. More recently, Boardwalk welcomed Pure Salon and Endurance Fitness.
In addition, a game room, club house, 30-seat theater room, Jacuzzi, a 1,450-square-foot Forest Courtyard with walking trails, grills and picnic tables and a 9,700-square-foot lounge and pool area have been completed and opened for residents and their guests.
“Grand Rapids has really never seen an urban pool that’s well decorated and maintained and has a huge restaurant terrace right next to it,” says developer Jon Rooks of Parkland Properties. “People don’t have to go to the lakeshore if they don’t want to deal with the traffic; they can make a whole day of it and have their friends over.”
The remaining condos range from 632 square feet for $114,000 to 2,300 square feet for $439,000. Buyers who haven’t owned a home in three years qualify for an $8,000 credit as part of President Obama’s federal stimulus package. Condo prices include custom build-outs with new floor coverings, new appliances and custom finishes.
“When I look at global population growth being at an all-time high, and the move of the population to the urban centers, I think demand [for urban housing] will be on the rise and the supply will be low,” Rooks adds.
Source: Jon Rooks, Parkland Properties
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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