$55 million, 231-unit mixed-use development planned for Grand Rapids' West Side

Oct 14

Written By Staff

Voyage LLC, Talbot Development, and Pinnacle Construction Group are partnering on plans for a $55 million mixed-use development at 516 Alabama Ave in Grand Rapids. The project is expected to include approximately 231 residential units.

The VanGessel family has held the 516 Alabama property for years, but the site has been vacant as the West Side around it has evolved.

For Voyage, the project continues years of real estate ownership, investment, and reinvestment in the neighborhood. The company recently strengthened its commitment to the nearby New Holland Brewing property, maintains ownership of the Rockford Office Building, and the vacant parcel at 516 Alabama represents another opportunity for the next generation of the VanGessel family to build on that foundation on the West Side.

“We've held 516 Alabama through a lot of change on the West Side, and we never wanted to rush,” said Tony VanGessel, President of Voyage. “But given that the West Side has evolved, the players have changed, and a new generation is looking at what comes next, now feels like the right moment to carry forward my dad’s longstanding commitment to the neighborhood. The opportunity to build on his roots here is something special. I don’t think he would have imagined a project of this scale when he invested in the area over a decade ago. The right team has come together at the right time to finally move this property forward.”

Talbot and Pinnacle bring histories of developing and building on the West Side, along with an established partnership that combines development, investment, design, and construction expertise. Together, Talbot and Pinnacle have developed a model for creating distinctive projects that respond to the character of the neighborhoods in which they are located. Most recently, the two teamed up to complete Verdant, a West Side apartment complex on Bridge Street, and The Current, a residential building in the Creston Neighborhood.

“The West Side has always had an identity of its own, and that is something we want to preserve and celebrate as we think about what belongs at 516 Alabama,” said Ryan Talbot, owner of Talbot Development. “We want to understand the history, architecture and energy of a place and create something specifically for it. We believe the right partners and the right opportunity have come together to give this space new life.”

For Pinnacle, the West Side is also home. The company’s headquarters on Front Street give its team a daily connection to the community, in addition to its experience developing and building projects there.

Founded and led by President Michael Garrett, Pinnacle is also entering its own next generation of leadership, with his son, Jack Garrett, helping carry the company’s work forward.

“The West Side isn’t simply another place where we do business; it’s where Pinnacle calls home,” said Jack Garrett, Principal of Pinnacle. “I grew up around this business and now have the opportunity to be part of its next generation. There’s a similar story happening with this property: a new generation, new partners, and a chance to build on what came before us. We care deeply about what gets built here, and we’re excited to bring our experience with the Talbot team to 516 Alabama and create something that belongs on the West Side.”

The three companies are currently working to formalize the development partnership and advance planning for the site. Additional details regarding the project’s design, amenities, and anticipated timeline will be announced as plans progress.

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