By: Deborah Johnson Wood
For several years now, Second Story Properties has used the building at 53 Commerce to store company vehicles and equipment. But owner Sam Cummings says the time has come to do something more substantial with the building. He’s predicting that “something more” could lead to more than $500,000 in renovations.
The building is Second Story’s 21st renovation project in Grand Rapids. Interior demolition began last month when crews removed interior walls and an outdated drop ceiling.
“We exposed a sort of turtle shell-shaped roof with dramatic roof trusses,” Cummings said. “Now it has awesome 15-foot ceilings, it’s gorgeous. I think either it’ll be a restaurant or someone will fall in love with it for an office space.”
Crews rebuilt most of the building’s west wall and completed major roof repairs. Next on the docket is the replacement of the windows following historic preservation guidelines, which will upgrade the exterior and maintain the abundance of natural light inside the structure.
“It is wide open, incredibly dramatic loft space,” Cummings says. “You have to see it to see what's so cool about it, to see why I'm so excited about it.
“We're really looking forward to being part of what's already been renovated in the Heartside area south of Fulton, the renovations that Denny Sturtevant and Dwelling Place have been doing for the past 15 years,” Cummings adds. “We’re excited to be part of that connection across Fulton Street.”
Source: Sam Cummings, Second Story Properties
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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