On June 23, Habitat Kent hosted a groundbreaking for phase III of our Pleasant Hills development, the first five-story, multi-family building for affordable homeownership in Grand Rapids. The 27-unit condominium building will offer 2- and 3-bedroom condo units at affordable prices to new homeowners. These quality, efficient homes use green building materials, appliances, and techniques to provide homeowners with an average reduction of energy consumption by 33%. Each home comes with an Energy Star-rated window package, a new direct power-vented water heater, and a new power-vented furnace.

This is a brand new housing style and financing option available through the federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) program, with the support of Orion Construction, the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan Community Capital, J.P. Morgan, IFF, Habitat for Humanity International Capital, and Mercantile Bank.  

Pleasant Hills is designed to expand access to affordable homeownership to working families and individuals making a modest income who are struggling to compete in the open market. In 2024, 45% of Grand Rapids city residents were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households) living one financial crisis away from housing instability.  This opportunity will help families build equity, improve financial stability, and reduce barriers to long-term economic security.  

As City of Grand Rapids Commissioner Alicia Marie Belchak described during her remarks at the event, “Today is a remarkable reminder of what happens when we all come together, and we make change happen. For too many people, homeownership is out of reach.” She went on to add, “I see this project as something that is changing that pattern, hopefully forever, and is just one step of many that we can replicate across the city. We will be showing people how they can have a pathway forward.” 

These homes are being built in partnership with Orion Construction, a Grand Rapids company focused on creating a positive impact through all of their builds. The Pleasant Hills project aligns with their vision and goals for being active and working to build a better community. “We imagined homeowners setting roots in this neighborhood with access to schools, parks, local businesses, and downtown Grand Rapids right outside their windows,” explained Brad Walsh, Orion President. “We couldn’t be more excited to be part of the team [and] give back to [Grand Rapids].” 

We are thrilled to be part of the solution for affordable homeownership in Kent County. Pleasant Hills is just a part of our commitment to the creation of 100 homes in Kent County. This is one of three phases towards affordable homeownership in our focus neighborhood, Roosevelt Park. We truly believe that homeownership is a tool for building equity, and that this investment will help families build stronger futures and gain more opportunities. Together, we are supporting the development of jobs, economic growth, and community belonging.