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GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — More than 200 feet in the air, a crane swings what workers refer to as “the flying bus” into place. It’s actually a concrete form that weighs 12,000 pounds, about the size of a city bus, that’s helping build the latest apartment complex in Grandville.
The 1 million-square-foot Grand Castle project, located on 28th Street just east of I-196, is something you’d expect to see rising in downtown Grand Rapids. The design of the 15-story, 400-unit complex was inspired by castles.
“We’ve owned this ground for the last 10 years and we’re going to do something with it. So it was a question of doing three-story buildings or doing something unique,” Grand Castle owner Roger Lucas said. “You could build this as a box and it might be cheaper. But this captures the imagination of people. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Lucas’ family vacations to Europe influenced the complex’s layout.
“In life, you only get to do so many things. Since we build apartments and we’re reasonably successful with it, we’re the only people who would try something like this. So that’s why I want to do it,” Lucas said. “I think it makes you smile. Brings happiness to people. Bring joy to people. We should do this.”
The Grand Castle apartment complex under construction in Grandville. (Oct. 6, 2016)Rent will range from just over $900 a month for a one-bedroom unit to $1,500 for a two-bedroom. There will also be some higher-end apartments. Grand Castle will also have a courtyard in the middle and free garage parking for every resident.
But the biggest selling point is the design.
“I haven’t met anybody yet who said they didn’t want to live in a castle,” Lucas said. “It’s kind of fun.”
If it all continues as planned, the Castle will be ready for residents by next spring.
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