Building Reuse

Developed to reutilize vacant downtown buildings built before 1950, the Building Reuse Incentive Program (BRIP) assists developers by reducing the cost of rehabilitation.

These "self-amortizing" grants include improvements such as façade updates, fire-safety upgrades, utility upgrades, installation of barrier-free access and facilities, and exterior and streetscape renovations to eligible buildings. Financial assistance may not exceed $50,000 or 50% of the total project cost.

Streetscape Improvement

The Streetscape Improvement Incentive Program helps qualifying property owners improve adjacent public sidewalks and other public pedestrian walkways in downtown Grand Rapids buildings. The program is a matching grant, with a portion paid by a Downtown Development Authority grant, and the remainder paid by the building owner.

Areaway Fill

During the 19th and early 20th century, it was a common building practice to extend the basement beyond the building façade and into the area under the sidewalk. These extended basements, known are areaways or vaults, were once used for the receiving and storage of coal or goods, or mechanical or utility space.

The Areaway Fill Program helps qualifying property owners eliminate areaways in downtown Grand Rapids buildings. The program is a matching grant, with a portion paid by a Downtown Development Authority grant, and the remainder paid by the building owner.

Contact: Jay Fowler, Grand Rapids Planning Department @ (616) 456-3034.
E-mail: jfowler@ci.grand-rapids.mi.us