Architecture firm planning move downtown

Architecture firm planning move downtown

Grand Rapids-based Integrated Architecture, founded in 1989, works to "intersect art with science" and create spaces that "work for people." Photo via fb.com

A local architecture firm is planning to move downtown.

Grand Rapids-based Integrated Architecture and its more than 50 employees are looking to move to a building at 840 Ottawa Ave. NW, with an option to buy the property.

Investments in the move could total more than $2 million, including $1.5 million in construction costs.

The firm, through the entity IA840 LLC, has applied to the Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, for the establishment of an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District and a 10-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for the property.

The DDA will look at the application on Wednesday.

The property includes a 13,600-square-foot building built in 1920 and a 10,000-square-foot parking lot.

The building has been vacant for the majority of the past decade. It was last used as a printing facility.

The building would be redeveloped to include office, research, conference and open work spaces, according to the application. A small addition is planned to the southwest corner.

The project must be reviewed and approved by a variety of organizations, including the SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority, Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority and the DDA.

Recommendations from the tax capture authority boards are required prior to consideration by the city commission, which could come in July.

Letters of support have been submitted by the Monroe North Business Association and Neighbors of Belknap Lookout.