SPRING LAKE TWP. — A new affordable housing development in Spring Lake Township is the first of its kind in Michigan and is quickly becoming “home” to those occupying the property. 

Michigan-based nonprofit social services and affordable housing provider Samaritas will be the majority owner-operator of the approximately $16.3 million development. 

The 53-unit housing rental project at 734 E. Savidge St. is considered a “passive house designation,” which means it includes energy-efficient attributes like extra insulation on outer walls, roof and foundation. Upgraded windows with reduced airflow leaks and the “fresh air system on each floor” are all part of the efficiency efforts, according to a Samaritas spokesperson.  

It opened to tenants in February. 

Property Manager David Schmitz said other innovations include a high-efficiency hot water system and the roof solar panels that will help lower electricity bills for all residents and the common areas of the building.

As of Wednesday, June 25, 34 of the 53 units were occupied. 

“We are proud of our passive house designation, and our rigorous testing to qualify and have this distinction,” Schmitz said. 

The Landing was designed by Pinnacle Construction Group as the architect, contractor and a minority owner of the project, along with Manistee-based Little River Development LLC, the real estate development arm of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The development will serve people whose income is between 30% and 80% of the area median income, which translates to annual incomes between $24,000 and $64,000. Additionally, there are eight units set aside for the Ottawa Band of Indians. Those who qualify must be Native American Indian or a descendant of a Native American Indian from any recognized tribe, according to Samaritas. 

Partnership with local church, Samaritas a win-win

The property was originally owned by the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church.  Rev. Dan Anderson said the church specifically wanted the land to be used for affordable housing — something the Tri-Cities area is lacking. 

Samaritas was the perfect buyer for the property, he said.

Anderson, who has been with the church at 760 E. Savidge St. in Spring Lake for over 30 years, said having affordable housing built there was “my due diligence.” 

The modern, blue and white building is everything he had hoped it would turn out to be.

“We are so pleased,” Anderson said. 

Schmitz said the property suited Samaritas as well. The two entities had the same vision and focus when it came to providing housing for lower income families and individuals, he said.

“This place is more than just a housing property. The community here is extremely welcoming and comforting. This is our first multi-family, intergenerational housing property in West Michigan. We couldn’t be prouder to offer families a space to live, grow and prosper within their community,” he said. 

“This hidden gem is a modern facility with reasonable rates that are near high-end eateries, restaurants, and bakeries.”

A portion of Ottawa County’s $57 million in American Recovery Plan funds was also used for the project. 

Samaritas used a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program to finance the development. 

The Landing will be open to the public for tours from 4:30-7 p.m. July 22. Refreshments and prizes will be part of the open house. For more information, visit samaritas.org/news.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.