Factory Yards: One of Grand Rapids’ Most Ambitious Redevelopments Yet

By Grand Rapids News July 28, 2025
Screenshot 2025-07-28 at 12.28.08 PM
Just southwest of downtown, a 15-acre stretch of old industrial buildings is getting a second life—and it could reshape a key corner of Grand Rapids. The Factory Yards redevelopment project is set to transform the area near Founders Brewing into a new center of activity, bringing with it a mix of housing, retail, and community spaces. Backed by a $146 million investment, the project includes:
  • 467 residential units (a mix of market-rate and affordable housing)
  • Adaptive reuse of four historic warehouse buildings
  • New retail and dining spaces
  • A public event hall and rooftop gathering areas
  • Green space woven into a walkable layout
This is more than a facelift. It’s a shift in how Grand Rapids is growing—prioritizing density, accessibility, and adaptive reuse over sprawling expansion. Positioned near the future riverfront amphitheater and walkable to the downtown core, the Factory Yards project is designed to bring people back into a part of the city that’s been overlooked for decades. Why it matters: The scale and design of Factory Yards suggest a different kind of growth—one centered on livability and long-term value, not just short-term development. It’s a blend of old and new that could set the tone for other parts of the city. The team behind it, Heritage Development Partners, is working alongside The Right Place and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to make it happen. Their plan balances housing needs with economic opportunity, bringing in public and private investment to revitalize a former industrial zone. The big question: As this part of Grand Rapids gains attention, how will nearby neighborhoods respond? Will this development help strengthen the surrounding community—or accelerate the pace of change in ways that are hard to manage? With its scale, location, and vision, Factory Yards is a project to watch. Let us know what you think. Could this corner of Grand Rapids become the city’s next big hub?  
@jimhocking Factory Yards is going to change this part of Grand Rapids forever. 🏠 Housing - 467 apartments 🏬 Retail + dining space 🏨 Boutique hotel + rooftop views What do you think? Let me know below! 👇🏻 #grandrapids #grandrapidsmi #westmichigan #downtown #growth ♬ Cozy Day (Lofi) - The Machinist Beats

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Mike Smallegan
Mike Smallegan