Big News for Grand Rapids!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU76VhKNSyXEvbY7VONnZib0YXtI3fari3dXbX89ttG9iatUifDvXNGLfCHXk0NcWP9BGLmGMUUSLxMG2oB2xpryzSGwQzlfoEoOrWu2S2sAJ6fBTSVCMDbf255KWNTr8lEKP8couJDFU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU76VhKNSyXEvbY7VONnZib0YXtI3fari3dXbX89ttG9iatUifDvXNGLfCHXk0NcWP9BGLmGMUUSLxMG2oB2xpryzSGwQzlfoEoOrWu2S2sAJ6fBTSVCMDbf255KWNTr8lEKP8couJDFU/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Have you been wondering what the old Nextel building on 28th street is being transformed into?  Well, after much speculation, the secret's out!  Today, it was announced that <a href="http://www.akrikks.com/">AK Rikk's</a> is the face behind this 28,000 square foot retail gem that <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a> had the pleasure of designing.  Set to open late this summer, the new location of AK Rikk's will be a full service men's and women's clothing store complete with a men's suit room and tailor shop, women's shoes and handbags shop as well as a section of home goods and furniture from manufacturers like Herman Miller.  In addition, the back portion of the building will have classroom space for a non-profit organization currently in the works that is intended to benefit and support emerging young creatives in the Grand Rapids area.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic new expansion of Grand Rapids' retail skyline.  Here are a few shots from the press conference this morning where this big news was announced, as well as some interior and exterior design renderings done by our very own David Lorenz.  You'll be transported to 5th Avenue as soon as you step inside!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-q8mFplmR2V4NLQJqpUiBEUqcF1NO58qbgXpRxloy5lxZ3x4GPhBL9KffOvL5_-G7xZsQ6Hj3D_1E5NCSmaTu8xMKfX7mg-z_VDvOY6-L1kNJ4JjgHk8kPLTuGelL3ducvsx6N-WMTEA/s1600/IMG_0755-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-q8mFplmR2V4NLQJqpUiBEUqcF1NO58qbgXpRxloy5lxZ3x4GPhBL9KffOvL5_-G7xZsQ6Hj3D_1E5NCSmaTu8xMKfX7mg-z_VDvOY6-L1kNJ4JjgHk8kPLTuGelL3ducvsx6N-WMTEA/s320/IMG_0755-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Awaiting the anticipated news</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttXFD-IHPvC9zKfANqCXvLTG1xKxRu8DD611jfypxDCP0k4cMudwrSvGoMogPKWxbxcjnds5TzKYhY4WktDRhTtj4nv8NVyes6ACkCSG9TgpmsCGKPwdvW8GpWLnKgudEQS6GwrLBTvxC/s1600/IMG_0762-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttXFD-IHPvC9zKfANqCXvLTG1xKxRu8DD611jfypxDCP0k4cMudwrSvGoMogPKWxbxcjnds5TzKYhY4WktDRhTtj4nv8NVyes6ACkCSG9TgpmsCGKPwdvW8GpWLnKgudEQS6GwrLBTvxC/s320/IMG_0762-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> The reveal!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bu391mWC7-0BfdOMAKcEEcv1qySvCjavR5iwYwqf4XuQHJH2F3onrvcO0cp6AeeTXNQTwmS0pdi8uY-ISgQ1oB3jhxWh8lDr8I8caK1AIXPzxW3PegEC-MI2q6FRz0Cwz_gvRllbSPhW/s1600/IMG_0764-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bu391mWC7-0BfdOMAKcEEcv1qySvCjavR5iwYwqf4XuQHJH2F3onrvcO0cp6AeeTXNQTwmS0pdi8uY-ISgQ1oB3jhxWh8lDr8I8caK1AIXPzxW3PegEC-MI2q6FRz0Cwz_gvRllbSPhW/s320/IMG_0764-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Jim Murray, president of AK Rikk's, outlining the history of AK Rikk's and it's plan for the expansion</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ_f5WZ0hPK9Fnpowo68ZHxU_j7J2rzx0kIekSH30-SsFibXmNqvhoQaoBfOm5ErnybPN_y4LPgOTUQB2s9rggmQXxKZ3gLnxL5E_0-9Mg7-k0flLHAAFwBPJSz5r_NEvfiOcTwRXLCp-/s1600/IMG_0765-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ_f5WZ0hPK9Fnpowo68ZHxU_j7J2rzx0kIekSH30-SsFibXmNqvhoQaoBfOm5ErnybPN_y4LPgOTUQB2s9rggmQXxKZ3gLnxL5E_0-9Mg7-k0flLHAAFwBPJSz5r_NEvfiOcTwRXLCp-/s320/IMG_0765-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Captive audience of clients, business partners, supporters and press</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZnOab1uEaCQRyQ9WgxjZF8tUMNEoUzlX0wbpypy5ap2F9frXjo8Iw8_2seYRPdlB6faOvB0sLhpgEzlxqsrpSGc0nLbSa7e60IiwohlPzU7bWMbfN6iS-LCYu5o7bO3czvcfv7iYaxL8/s1600/IMG_0768-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZnOab1uEaCQRyQ9WgxjZF8tUMNEoUzlX0wbpypy5ap2F9frXjo8Iw8_2seYRPdlB6faOvB0sLhpgEzlxqsrpSGc0nLbSa7e60IiwohlPzU7bWMbfN6iS-LCYu5o7bO3czvcfv7iYaxL8/s320/IMG_0768-1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The future of AK Rikk's</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgateSuQOxn4k2gy0PguQKjSXIAxkFQD8r2UsLDEeUT-X3u_CLRRlTTtVXck-0Kt8GfONAg74beMJ9xy5Xkh_QNYEG33Ew3jOeF3mHIZu-JzAHxNg6KJ_DuTAVP4aJyJXZPWxoxKvW1_VYR/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgateSuQOxn4k2gy0PguQKjSXIAxkFQD8r2UsLDEeUT-X3u_CLRRlTTtVXck-0Kt8GfONAg74beMJ9xy5Xkh_QNYEG33Ew3jOeF3mHIZu-JzAHxNg6KJ_DuTAVP4aJyJXZPWxoxKvW1_VYR/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+1.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Exterior rendering</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdNEg93UGcjx20CEO_NHY0YIt5_gaT1dTS0fXCmUiK-QhWsAo_xnTS3p-IRBi9fptr2ZkbpD6-O64dsa7xSFf1e55MORK4c1T-tSPJges_dOBkHQOjxVC9crAfkcHzGZGedX1KCgpDTsU/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdNEg93UGcjx20CEO_NHY0YIt5_gaT1dTS0fXCmUiK-QhWsAo_xnTS3p-IRBi9fptr2ZkbpD6-O64dsa7xSFf1e55MORK4c1T-tSPJges_dOBkHQOjxVC9crAfkcHzGZGedX1KCgpDTsU/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+6.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>A welcoming entrance to the two-story retail space</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjI0c5CeGmOQEMRSByien9vKHXUeNklW_YPwX4Uh8UPgmOONbSqpZMj5cfhsHREO5QsTCLm4fmm1-1lSJHOKIG0lnmXsCOOCSaOveR9_fxAoMtO2gPzlWqydhPfS0-Vs5S83JTJMHVWep/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjI0c5CeGmOQEMRSByien9vKHXUeNklW_YPwX4Uh8UPgmOONbSqpZMj5cfhsHREO5QsTCLm4fmm1-1lSJHOKIG0lnmXsCOOCSaOveR9_fxAoMtO2gPzlWqydhPfS0-Vs5S83JTJMHVWep/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Women's salon with a 25 foot TV screen on the wall </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TRt8_mdE59h7MRGJMIPPi9K97mSjeeah4ChaJXnXzw0-RhvaAhgVW0UdEtmwcqgLLABlzKSpsKi1lzJ_TfoN9LGTN4r5CosNLuZ-B9_Pg8MK8YTBuMEO3ElJZoeonGy7kA2qiknfyzL/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TRt8_mdE59h7MRGJMIPPi9K97mSjeeah4ChaJXnXzw0-RhvaAhgVW0UdEtmwcqgLLABlzKSpsKi1lzJ_TfoN9LGTN4r5CosNLuZ-B9_Pg8MK8YTBuMEO3ElJZoeonGy7kA2qiknfyzL/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Men's haberdashery</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi017knUa0WDtyDPIpv53I7kc677XCglsKHh_Hovk7x-7WqTo4euAe0Norv7PxAuBNaTZ2JBaGcmCMnon14lrHUGMSkjjiqziV9dyfZEGMxDZdscOASdZbFH1Xw6LRKdNV2p_9KlTe4ju4S/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi017knUa0WDtyDPIpv53I7kc677XCglsKHh_Hovk7x-7WqTo4euAe0Norv7PxAuBNaTZ2JBaGcmCMnon14lrHUGMSkjjiqziV9dyfZEGMxDZdscOASdZbFH1Xw6LRKdNV2p_9KlTe4ju4S/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Custom designed and built cabinetry takes display to a new level </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAKc-660BUwSNkzcB9Z6QmAVbP4RM8uAcKm2NzJMIlJdlVzj5d8zKRaTIkzssRFrz5SGsiDaxtf44CrzDUdnAEhFidz2crm3y_zHZzAunQqWP4khqBO_QIDgYH-MbS5YiLFtB5Hvr8kNm/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAKc-660BUwSNkzcB9Z6QmAVbP4RM8uAcKm2NzJMIlJdlVzj5d8zKRaTIkzssRFrz5SGsiDaxtf44CrzDUdnAEhFidz2crm3y_zHZzAunQqWP4khqBO_QIDgYH-MbS5YiLFtB5Hvr8kNm/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+11.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Small home goods and furniture shop </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EbjUgIVWZk4QJJrkZ3lGgFHgKWEBXzLUmT8jGpGLp4TAiAOKKybNh2z56QbBYnVVFMn1zv8am8t0htzRmSAzEyA04stQHe2kjdbFoLbWFIByzqEQyJLW3pLGQ4CZUMjo8vOLZnB6X_j/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EbjUgIVWZk4QJJrkZ3lGgFHgKWEBXzLUmT8jGpGLp4TAiAOKKybNh2z56QbBYnVVFMn1zv8am8t0htzRmSAzEyA04stQHe2kjdbFoLbWFIByzqEQyJLW3pLGQ4CZUMjo8vOLZnB6X_j/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+14.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Women's shoe and handbag shop</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbTUwzILgPtUieBG9cn58vPhRlfpL7Xa0ciB6QNWHHpZtdtxfZvVrv5TFhOfh3k0fWjXtWaVKGh81BR9De5fykUWMj8APuubIbn-QdeVmPG8tidP3tGDes8efPljNA6uK4ZLWR-sja3PC/s1600/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbTUwzILgPtUieBG9cn58vPhRlfpL7Xa0ciB6QNWHHpZtdtxfZvVrv5TFhOfh3k0fWjXtWaVKGh81BR9De5fykUWMj8APuubIbn-QdeVmPG8tidP3tGDes8efPljNA6uK4ZLWR-sja3PC/s320/+AK+Rikks+Design+Images+17.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The massive corner window display is complete with a movable stage for dramatic seasonal and featured displays</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div><div><br /></div><div>We are proud to be a member of the team bringing this vision to life:</div><div><i>Developer: <a href="http://nextwork.us/">NextWork</a></i></div><div><i>Architect & Interior Architect: <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates, Inc.  </a></i></div><div><i>Builder: <a href="http://www.lamarconstruction.com/">Lamar Construction Company</a></i></div><div><i>Interior Designer: <a href="http://www.jefferyroberts.com/">Jeffery Roberts Design</a></i></div><div><i>Custom Cabinetry: <a href="http://www.benchmarkwoodstudio.com/">Benchmark Wood Studio</a></i></div><div><i>Consultant: <a href="http://www.critestidey.com/">Crites, Tidey & Associates, Inc.</a></i></div><div><i>Structural Drafting: <a href="http://www.landmarkdesigngroup.net/">Landmark Design Group, PC</a></i></div><div><i>Landscaping: <a href="http://meadowgreengroup.com/">MeadowGreen Group</a></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Big News for Grand Rapids!

Have you been wondering what the old Nextel building on 28th street is being transformed into?  Well, after much speculation, the secret...

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Finishing Up Show Season At Home!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIK-4fEuSCAMX1ReJyITYmmMvARuM_qWChuhxdoxvf_xE38uPIIkaaYVZM3mrkDISdYu-V5GdhIFR27POJN_xtwHZ3qB0h5vQtCqT-7U42riHtTWIi7q6QDQW1W4KbnzJmmn0noxKSpsL/s1600/262096_650127103064_15301114_34263895_5985353_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722732514286247474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIK-4fEuSCAMX1ReJyITYmmMvARuM_qWChuhxdoxvf_xE38uPIIkaaYVZM3mrkDISdYu-V5GdhIFR27POJN_xtwHZ3qB0h5vQtCqT-7U42riHtTWIi7q6QDQW1W4KbnzJmmn0noxKSpsL/s320/262096_650127103064_15301114_34263895_5985353_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />It's already time for our last trade show this show season, and we are finishing it up at home in Grand Rapids! We will be at the <a href="http://showspan.com/CLG/Home.aspx">Cottage & Lakefront Living Show</a> at the <a href="http://devosplace.org/">DeVos Place</a>, which starts tomorrow. The show runs through Sunday with the following hours....<div><br /></div><div>Friday, March 23..............3:00pm - 9:00pm</div><div>Saturday, March 24.........10:00am - 9:00pm</div><div>Sunday, March 25.............11:00am - 5:00pm</div><div><br /></div><div>Wayne will be doing his presentation on <b>Waterfront Design: Challenges & Opportunities</b> on <b>Saturday from 2:00pm - 3:00pm</b> and will be sketching LIVE at the booth Friday, Saturday morning and Sunday, so don't miss your opportunity to learn from a pro!</div><div><br /></div><div>We look forward to seeing you there and having a great final show of 2012!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Finishing Up Show Season At Home!

It's already time for our last trade show this show season, and we are finishing it up at home in Grand Rapids! We will be at the Cotta...

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MiBiz Article: MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options

<i>Read this recent artcle in MiBiz on our project with <a href="http://www.rockfordconstruction.com/">Rockford Construction</a> for the space in the Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids, called MoDiv:</i><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/news/design-build/18280-modivs-motive-to-offer-downtown-retailers-options.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b>MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options</b></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">source: www.mibiz.com</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">By Joe Boomgaard | MiBiz | </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 24px; font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">jboomgaard@mibiz.com</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); line-height: 24px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">GRAND RAPIDS — Developers of a proposed retail incubator for downtown Grand Rapids hope to break down current barriers to retail expansion in the city’s core.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a class="keyword" href="http://www.rockfordconstruction.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Rockford Construction Company Inc">Rockford Construction Company Inc</a>.’s plans for space in the Peck Building at the corner of Monroe Center and Division Avenue call for turning the vacant space into a vibrant retail environment ideal for startup businesses or established companies that want to give downtown retailing a try.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford Construction Company, COO at Rockford Construction, said the company has owned the space for a few years. It most recently served as a hub for TEDx Grand Rapids, had been home to Site:Lab, and housed <a class="keyword" href="http://www.artprize.org/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="ArtPrize">ArtPrize</a> events, but the company didn’t find any permanent tenant in the time it owned the building.</p><table border="0" width="180" align="left" style="padding-right: 10px; "><tbody><tr><td><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, serif; font-size: 1.3em; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">Photo Gallery</h3><hr /></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Click on the gallery images to view full-size photo.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></p><div id="sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv" class="imageSlider" style="clear: both; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none !important; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: none !important; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 22px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/DSC_1775.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/66b2387ece4af7f412ef517c5c1dba26.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-person.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/463ab490a3f91b565974f0676fe838c2.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-rendering-2.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/604554c5b48d26ad0d93a5f0d2724d8c.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li><li style="padding-left: 0px !important; background-image: url(http://www.mibiz.com/templates/younews/images/arrow.png); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; float: left; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><a href="http://www.mibiz.com/images/stories/6-13-11MoDiv/MoDiv-rendering.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto[sigplus_6-13-11MoDiv]" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); "><img height="200" src="http://www.mibiz.com/cache/thumbs/5c451c5574513a254e8ba64cef99af3a.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 2px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 2px !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; " width="200" /></a></li></ul></div><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“What we’ve recognized is the need to take the bull by the horns and create something rather than wait for a tenant to show up,” Hassberger told MiBiz.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Hassberger said the vision for the street-level space, known as MoDiv, short for Shoppes at Monroe and Division, is to create a retail incubator with varying options for sizes and length of lease to attempt to lure tenants to the critical corner in the downtown market.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“We want to address some of the objections retailers might have. There will be no long-term leases. Tenants will not have to take a ton of space. We want to take away their objections so they’ll give it a try,” he said.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">MoDiv will take up about 8,500 square feet of the Peck Building. The space currently has three entrances, and the plan is to create a physical connection between all of the internal retail spaces. The company envisions up to 12 retailers each occupying various chunks of MoDiv.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The rest of the street-level space in the Peck Building is partly occupied by two retailers, Gina’s Boutique and Lia Rose.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">For the incubator, Rockford hopes to see a mix of established and startup retailers. Hassberger said the site would be perfect for a suburban retailer to try their hand at the downtown market without a huge overhead. Similarly, it might also be perfect for “pop-up” stores that might be timed around various festivals or other events.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The space also has enough room for events — perhaps a wine tasting — and it will retain its existing kitchen. Although the developers don’t think a restaurant is in the cards for the space, they said the kitchen could be useful for a catering business or for hosting events.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Developers expect the entry at the corner of Monroe and Division could be attractive for an anchor tenant, and other smaller retailers could use the space inside.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">To develop the concept, Rockford enlisted Seyferth PR, which is also a tenant on an upper floor of the Peck Building, to investigate a possible use for the street-level space. Hassberger said that Seyferth came up with a retail incubator, a concept that had been tried and proven in Ann Arbor, Minneapolis and other locations.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford tapped <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Visbeen Associates Inc.</span></a> to do some conceptual designs of the retailer locations. Construction on the project should start some time in June.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“This is a pivotal point, a cultural spot,” he said. “MoDiv is the right thing to do for the space and the city. If we can establish enough retail space downtown, we can create a retail destination, something the concierges can send people to.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">One key to the project was receiving a $75,000 storefront renovation grant from the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority to improve the façade along Division Avenue, which is currently a 100-foot, solid, uninviting brick wall, Hassberger said. The current plan calls for adding windows and other elements to break up the view of the wall and help bring more people toward the building and then on to other retail shops and restaurants along Monroe Center.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Improving the façade will become even more important in creating an inviting space once the portion of Division Avenue the space fronts will shrink from five to three lanes and parking spaces and a bike lane are added, he said.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">The company decided not to participate in the DDA’s new incubator district program, designed to encourage retail ventures and support community entrepreneurs.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Rockford has a history of trying new ideas like this proposed retail incubator. The company also created MoBevy, an open office space in the Peck Building that allows various small companies to move in and use only the space and services they need. It was also behind the <a class="keyword" href="http://www.grid70.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="GRid70">GRid70</a>, a downtown design hub for several West Michigan companies, including <a class="keyword" href="http://www.meijer.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Meijer">Meijer</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.amway.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Amway">Amway</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.steelcase.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Steelcase">Steelcase</a>,<a class="keyword" href="http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Wolverine World Wide">Wolverine World Wide</a>, <a class="keyword" href="http://www.pennanthealthalliance.org/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(157, 28, 31); " target="_blank" title="Pennant Health Alliance">Pennant Health Alliance</a> and others.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">“MoBevy has done pretty well, and we hope these two will feed off each other,” Hassberger said. “It’s the same idea — you just have to do something (to address the) demand for smaller, flexible space.”</p></span></div>

MiBiz Article: MoDiv's Motive To Offer Downtown Retailers Options

Read this recent artcle in MiBiz on our project with Rockford Construction for the space in the Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids, ca...

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