Grand Rapids southwest side neighborhood Roosevelt Park will soon get a major facelift, as City Commissioners Tuesday approved plans for "Plaza Roosevelt." It’s a nearly 6 acre development that includes health care facilities, venues for arts and culture, retail space and a new $20 million Grand Rapids Public Schools dual immersion high school.
“Plaza Roosevelt is our new community initiative," Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal said. "We are partnering with Ferris State University, The Hispanic Center, Dwelling Place, and Habitat for Humanity and building an entire plaza. That is really exciting, and totally new for this community.”
As part of the development, Habitat for Humanity in Kent County plans to build 16 new homes through its affordable home owner ship program. Habitat Kent Executive Director BriAnne McKee says the plaza is a statement on how the community of Grand Rapids can partner together for the greater good.
“This development plan is the result of people coming together to bring the neighbors vision for the community to life, and that just aligns so beautifully with our mission statement here at Habitat Kent bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope,” McKee said.
The site is situated in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood on two blocks on the east side of Grandville Avenue between Graham Street on the north and Franklin Street on the south. The project is scheduled to break ground this fall.
