Crews have started demolishing a long-vacant Family Fare store on Breton Road in Grand Rapids, to pave the way for a new housing development. The project, led by SW Real Estate Investment, aims to construct 168 mixed-income apartments across seven three-story buildings. The development will feature a near-even split of income-restricted and market-rate units, with amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor dog park, and EV charging stations.
Demolition of the former grocery store, which closed in 2021 after over 25 years of operation, began on Friday (December 5) and is expected to take a few weeks. The project, known as Breton Meadows, is estimated to cost over $34 million and is supported by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) through the city of Grand Rapids. This program reimburses developers for construction costs using state and local tax revenue, incentivizing the creation of affordable housing.
Scott Wierda, leading the project with his son Spencer, emphasized the importance of addressing the housing shortage in Grand Rapids. The city needs an estimated 6,990 rental units by 2029 to meet demand, as reported by MLive. The development will reserve 49% of its units for residents earning 95% to 100% of the area median income.
The first building is expected to be completed in early 2027, with the entire project wrapping up by the end of that year. City officials, including economic development director Sarah Rainero, have expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential to revitalize the area and provide much-needed housing options.
