Nonprofit completes housing development

Nonprofit completes housing development

Pleasant Prospect Homes, a 90-unit development, is the Inner City Christian Federation's largest development to date. Photo via fb.com

Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids’ South East Community Association have enjoyed a number of renovations over the years.

Inner City Christian Federation, a Grand Rapids-based housing nonprofit, recently announced that it has completed its largest housing project to date on the southeast side: Pleasant Prospect Homes.

The $14 million development, which was started last July,  includes 45 duplexes and a community center. Steenwyk Architects and DeStigter Architecture and Planning designed the project, with Rockford Construction serving as general contractor and ICCF completing the renovations and community center. Financing was secured through Mercantile Bank.

The Pleasant Prospect Homes project is a “90-unit scattered site duplex development in Southeast Grand Rapids,” according to a statement from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made up of 60 rehabilitated rental units and 30 newly constructed rental units, many of which are located on properties that were once occupied by the former Madison Square Housing Co-op.

ICCF made sure the spaces would be environmentally friendly and is currently seeking Silver level LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

“This 90-unit, scattered site development that complements the existing neighborhood is a significant undertaking and accomplishment for this community. Of the 90 affordable housing units, 23 units are reserved for Permanent Supportive Housing that target homeless, chronically homeless, or special needs households,” reads ICCF’s website.

“In a partnership with Pine Rest, Network 180, and other service provider agencies, ICCF has committed to providing long-term supportive services to these residents that promote empowerment and individual development over the coming years.”

David Jackiewicz, ICCF marketing and communications specialist, said the other 67 units are for low-income residents with incomes between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area's median income. He said square footage is approximately 1,100 per unit, and rents range from $200 to $700, plus utilities, depending on the income targeting of each unit.

ICCF also reconstructed the 2,100-square-foot building at 400 Franklin St. SE, turning it into a community space that offers a conference room and work stations.

“ICCF has also reconfigured a former laundromat at 400 Franklin to become the new community space that will serve Pleasant Prospect Homes residents. A new roof and new windows have been installed that will greatly change the façade of the building, bringing natural light into the space. Interior walls and offices have been framed and new electrical, plumbing and HVAC are in place,” reads ICCF’s website.

“The community building offers the residents of Pleasant Prospect Homes a conference room, lounge area, work desks and computers. It also serves as the space for the ongoing supportive services that ICCF and Pine Rest provide to the residents of the 23 Permanent Supportive Housing units.”