Demand for luxury living spurs more $1M condos in downtown Grand Rapids

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Developers of The Fitzgerald, the $20 million renovation of the former Grand Rapids YMCA, thought the two luxury penthouses on the nine-story tower would be enough.

But demand for more luxury units prompted them to re-design the east wing's fifth floor as two additional penthouse floor plans. That brings the total number of condo units to 39, with 18 units sold.

The units are spacious, some including as much as 3,545 square feet, and each carries a price tag just under $1 million. Each features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and 20-ft ceilings in the main living areas.

"Looking east, the views are of the historic Grand Rapids Public Library with its expansive lawn and Veterans Park with its trees and a lot of activity," says Nick Koster, spokesperson for Second Story Properties, one of the investors. "On the west, a private balcony and window overlooks the rooftop garden."

The garden will be three stories up, on the former gymnasium floor. Crews will demolish two of the gym walls to establish gathering spaces to view the city. Plans call for green space, a fountain, a hot tub, and outdoor seating. Residents have the option of purchasing one of ten private decks that will encircle the garden.

Fitzgerald Investors, a partnership between Grand Rapids-based Second Story Properties and Elevation Group, and Chicago-based RSC & Associates, is the developer. Cornerstone Architects designed the renovation, Think Design created the interiors, and Pioneer Construction is handling construction management.

August 2008 is the expected occupancy date.

Source: Nick Koster, Second Story Properties

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

Photograph by Brian Kelly

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