A few months ago, I spoke with local developer Gabriel Grant about one of his first projects, The Heights on Burton.
And earlier this week, we sat down again to discuss his latest project - Collins Corner.
Collins Corner is a four-unit, fully accessible housing project planned for 610 Sheldon Ave. SE. The project will replace the current single-family home with a ground-floor multifamily building designed specifically for accessibility and affordability.
The property that makes up a dual-lot has been in Grant’s family for four decades and is named after his late grandparents, who purchased the home in the early 1990s. As his grandmother aged, Grant saw firsthand how difficult it was for her to live in safely. And that experience helped shape the vision for what the site could become.
Location, Location, Location.
The Sheldon Avenue property sits just minutes from downtown and even closer to Mary Free Bed, Trinity Health, and the new Children’s Rehabilitation Center. Why is this important? Grant says one of the biggest gaps he sees in housing is the lack of accessible units near the places people rely on for rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Although zoning would allow more density onthe property, the number of units for the project was scaled back to maximize accessibility. Collins Corner will feature four ground-level units, creating more accessible entrances while fitting the surrounding neighborhood.
Keeping Accessibility Affordable
Affordability is also built into the project. A portion of the units will be priced below market rate, with the rest aimed at staying within reach for residents often priced out of housing near downtown.
“We’re required to do 20 to 25 percent of the project under 60 percent of the area median income. But we’re taking it a step further. Not only will part of it be under that threshold, but we’re also aiming to keep the rest of the units between 80 to 90 percent of area median income as well.” — Gabriel Grant
Tying The Project Together
From what I know about him, Gabriel is a machine. However, he was the first to tell me that it takes motivated people who care to tie projects like this together.
Behind the scenes, Grant is working with local partners, including Collective Ventures, the City of Grand Rapids, and IFF, a Midwest-based community lender focused on affordable housing.
Collins Corner | At a glance
📍 Location: 610 Sheldon St SE
♿ What’s coming: 4-unit, ground-floor multifamily project designed to be fully accessible and affordable
🗓️ Timeline: Break ground early–mid April 26’ and wrap by early fall