[DetroitSky]

Renovations underway on Grand Rapids affordable housing project

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Renovations are underway to transform the former state Department of Social Services building at 415 Franklin St. SE into a mix of low-income housing and an early childhood education center.

The Inner City Christian Federation and Madison Church hosted a kick off ceremony earlier this month for the $19 million project, which is expected to be complete and ready for leasing by November 2020.

“We believe that the impact of affordable housing, early childhood education, and an invested church will be transformative not only in the 415 Franklin building, but in our surrounding community as well,” Pastor David Beelen, senior pastor of Madison Church, said in a statement.

The three-story building was originally built as Grand Rapids Christian High School. It will house 41 apartments, an early childhood education center capable of serving 72 children, as well as community space for residents.