Developer breaks ground on Grand Haven apartments

Developer breaks ground on Grand Haven apartments
<strong> Rendering courtesy Ghafari Associates </strong>

A five-story residential project in Grand Haven is underway.

Cherette Group announced Wednesday, Nov. 9, it has begun construction on The Tribune Lofts, a five-story apartment building on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Third Street in Grand Haven.

Named in honor of the Grand Haven Tribune, which operated on the site for generations, development will include 39 one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a roof-top deck and a parking garage.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting the project with $750,000 from the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Michigan Community Revitalization Program. First National Bank of Michigan is providing the financing for the project.

“As the former home of the Grand Haven Tribune, this site has created products and services that made life better for the people of Grand Haven, and we at the MEDC are happy to help bring this property back to productive use in the community,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “We’re pleased to collaborate with our local partners on this project, which will bring needed year-round attainable housing to Grand Haven residents and make Grand Haven an even more attractive place to live, work, visit and play.”

The project was designed by Ghafari Associates and is meant to reflect the history of the site with a brick exterior and art deco details, along with modern amenities. CopperRock Construction is the builder on the project.

Founded in 2012, Cherette Group has completed projects such as Grand Haven Township’s Piper Lakes Apartment Homes and Fruitport’s Harmony Lake Apartment Homes.

“My family has been part of the tri-cities for more than 125 years,” said Denny Cherette, founder of Cherette Group. “My kids grew up here. … This one is special for me.”

The project is slated to open in fall 2023, with pre-leasing beginning in the summer.