Firm redevelops vacant plant

Firm redevelops vacant plant

The former Benteler Automotive plant in southwest Grand Rapids is just east of US 131. Courtesy Third Coast Development

A local developer is redeveloping a vacant auto industry plant in town that it recently purchased.

Grand Rapids-based Third Coast Development said today that it bought the former Benteler Automotive building in Grand Rapids, at 320 Hall St. SW, this summer.

The firm said that it will spend an estimated $2.5 million to renovate the 190,000-square-foot building for tenants, including anchor tenant Custer, a Grand Rapids-based Steelcase dealer.

Third Coast Development began renovations on the building immediately after acquiring it.

The firm said there is no timeline on the project.

Custer will move all of its warehousing operations into 60,000 square feet of the building.

Third Coast Development will prepare 110,000 square feet of the building for industrial uses and 10,000 square feet for office space.

The building’s parking will also be updated and include 400 surface spaces.

Benteler Automotive announced its plans to close the plant in 2013.

“We are excited to bring new life to this facility,” said Brad Rosely, partner, Third Coast Development. “The location is terrific, with it being in the heart of the Grand Rapids area, with easy access to 131.”