Demolition underway to make way for mixed-use building in Grand Rapids Eastown
Posted By: Woodtv.com on August 19, 2025. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
Crews began demolishing three buildings in Grand Rapids Monday to make way for a mixed-use project that will bring more housing and retail spots to the city’s Eastown.
Demolition of the buildings at 1407, 1409/1411 and 1417 Robinson Road near Lake Drive marks the beginning of a project that has been years in the making, developer U. Turan said. Turan, who has owned two of the three buildings since 2015 and one since 2010, said he has been in the planning stages of the project for a few years.
“(I’m) very excited and very happy about it,” he said. “It’s been an ongoing (process) for years … and finally it’s becoming alive.”
Following the demolition process, which is expected to take about a week and a half, crews will begin work on the four-story, 32,000-square-foot Robinson Road Flats.
The project will include 24 residential units — a mix of one-, two- and three-bed apartments — and three retail spots. Turan said he’s already received a lot of inquiries about the retail spots, with potential businesses including boutiques and restaurants.
No decision has been made yet on what businesses will go in once the building is complete next spring.
“We have time to make sure we choose the best fit for the location and (a) good mix, too,” Turan said. “We want some nice and local businesses in there.”
Turan said he worked closely with the city and local neighborhood associations while designing the project. The original plan was for a three-story building until local leaders asked him to add a fourth floor in order to fit more much-needed housing. Other changes included added a brick façade to make it a better fit for the neighborhood.
“I care about communities, opinions and suggestions and I take it very serious. And then I try to accommodate so it works for everybody, not just for the developer,” Turan said. “I believe that is going to be good for the area and good for the community and good for (Grand Rapids).”
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