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n a bid to revitalize and inject economic vitality into the suburbs surrounding Grand Rapids, Moxie Real Estate and Development is poised to launch its second multifamily project in a suburban downtown. This time, the Wyoming-based firm has set its sights on downtown Grandville, where it plans to construct a mixed-use development that will bring 28 apartments and ground-floor retail to the area.

    The $6.5 million Timber Flats project will be situated on a 0.6-acre site in downtown Grandville, currently occupied by a parking lot and a blighted garage building. Moxie has secured a purchase agreement with the Grandville Downtown Development Authority to acquire the property for $150,000. The development team is working closely with Consumers Energy to relocate electrical equipment from the site.

    According to Trevor Petroelje, co-founder of Moxie Real Estate and Development, the city of Grandville has been seeking a project like this for years – a mixed-use development that will serve as a catalyst for further downtown growth. "The city has been looking for a project like this for many years," Petroelje said. "We're excited to bring it to life."

    Moxie aims to break ground on the three-story building in September, with Create 3 Architecture overseeing the design process. The development will feature 14 one-bedroom units and 14 two-bedroom units, as well as approximately 1,000 square feet of space on the first floor that can be used by a community organization or retailer.

    The Grandville Jenison Chamber of Commerce is in talks with Moxie about potentially relocating to the building, while the developers are also considering adding a live/work space or fitness center to the project. "We're looking at different options for the ground-floor space," Petroelje said. "We want to create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that will benefit the community."

    Grandville City Manager Griffin Graham sees the Timber Flats project as a significant step towards revitalizing downtown Grandville. "This is one of the first new buildings we've seen in quite some time, and we're excited about the potential it brings," Graham said. "We hope this is just the beginning of many projects to come."

    Moxie is exploring various funding options for the project, including housing tax increment financing, local brownfield incentives, and funding through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program. The company has already seen success with a similar $9 million project in Hudsonville, where it's finishing up a 41-unit mixed-use development called Prospect Flats.

    "We've been looking at these downtown suburban cores to put projects that will help revitalize and add economic horsepower to the area," Petroelje said. "Our goal is to create vibrant communities that people want to live in."