Construction begins on $12.3M conversion of historic Ledyard block into downtown apartments
Built in 1874 out of yellow brick and Ionia sandstone, the Ledyard Block is the second-oldest commercial building still operating in downtown Grand Rapids and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
GRAND RAPIDS — Work has officially begun to transform one of downtown Grand Rapids’ oldest commercial landmarks into a modern residential hub, marking the latest wave of office-to-housing conversions taking root in the city's urban core.
CWD Real Estate Investment announced Monday that construction is underway on a $12.3 million overhaul of the historic Ledyard Block, located at the corner of Ottawa Avenue and Pearl Street.
The project will convert the four-story building's upper levels into 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments, returning a residential footprint to a site originally designed for mixed-use living more than a century ago.
Built in 1874 out of yellow brick and Ionia sandstone, the Ledyard Block is the second-oldest commercial building still operating in downtown Grand Rapids and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. [Courtesy photos]
Built in 1874 out of yellow brick and Ionia sandstone, the Ledyard Block is the second-oldest commercial building still operating in downtown Grand Rapids and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
"Stewardship of downtown Grand Rapids is in our blood," said Sam Cummings, managing partner of CWD Real Estate Investment. "The Ledyard Block is one of the city's great historic buildings, and we're honored to restore residential living to a place that was originally designed to be part of a vibrant mixed-use downtown.”
The project relies on public-private backing, including support from the City of Grand Rapids and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Financial tools driving the redevelopment include grant funding, tax increment financing, and a local Neighborhood Enterprise Zone designation.
The project team features Orion Construction as construction manager, Ghafari Associates handling architecture and design, and E3M Solutions managing project operations.
"Our team takes tremendous pride in restoring historic buildings that have helped define this city for generations," said Orion Construction CEO Roger Rehkopf. "Partnering with CWD once again allows us to preserve an important piece of downtown's history while creating much-needed housing."
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The Ledyard Block marks CWD's second major adaptive-reuse venture in the area, following the firm's recent conversion of office space at The Residences at 111 Lyon into apartments.
Leasing timelines and pricing details will be released as construction progresses.
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