City begins master‑planning process for seven acres of prime downtown and riverfront property

Grand Rapids seeks development partner for major River North redevelopment

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- October 07, 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids today released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a development partner for a major mixed-use redevelopment in the River North neighborhood. The nearly seven-acre site sits at the intersection of several of the region’s strongest economic corridors and represents one of the most significant publicly owned redevelopment opportunities in the city’s recent history.

At the landmark corner of Monroe and Coldbrook, the properties include 1101, 1165 and 1120 Monroe Avenue NW.  These include the Coldbrook site and the City’s Development Center, which serves as the City’s centralized resource for all building and renovation activities.  Coldbrook is a historical Pumping Station with the current structure built in 1911 that combined the city’s water pumping and electric lighting operations in one facility. It played a central role in supplying Grand Rapids with clean water and power for decades before being decommissioned in 2022, ending its service as the city’s oldest water pumping station. 

The RFQ seeks a qualified partner to lead a 12-month due diligence and master site planning process. This work will evaluate environmental conditions, infrastructure capacity, market demand, financial feasibility, riverfront design and approach to development phasing. Upon completion, the selected partner will receive a contractual right of first refusal to purchase the property under the City’s established terms. 

“As Grand Rapids continues to grow, this site gives us a rare chance to shape the future of an important downtown district,” said Sarah Rainero, economic development director. “The River North area already anchors major investment, and this RFQ invites partners with the expertise to help us plan a development that is economically strong and community‑centered.”

Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second largest city, with 200,000 residents in a metro area of 1.1 million. The region supports 604,200 jobs, with strong in migration of young professionals, high graduate retention, competitive wages and a cost of living below the national average. Its diversified economy includes healthcare and life sciences — centered along the Medical Mile — advanced manufacturing, technology, and retail.

The River North district has seen significant momentum through public and private investment. Other projects attracting traffic and redevelopment to the Grand River include Fulton & Market, Studio Park Tower, Factory Yards, the Acrisure Amphitheater, and a growing network of riverfront improvements and 100 miles of connected regional trails. Corewell Health, Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University continue to expand their presence in the area.

The RFQ outlines several components:

  • Approximately 6.43 acres across three City‑owned parcels, zoned for mixed‑use development up to 5–7 stories.

  • The City envisions a mixed‑use concept that provides public river access, activates the riverfront, and builds on existing neighborhood assets. Proposers should consider incorporating the historic pump station façade. 

  • The City seeks a development partner with a proven track record in delivering large, high‑quality projects and experience creating capital funding plans for multi‑phased developments.

  • Upon selection, the partner will begin Phase 1 planning and site due diligence, including robust community engagement focused on desired uses, opportunities for riverfront and trail activation, and other development features.

  • Planning must account for future City operations, including options for the supporting or relocating the Development Center (currently housing 105 employees). Respondents are encouraged to think creatively about how 1120 Monroe NW could fit into the overall redevelopment strategy and ensure continued City services.

  • The City will provide environmental assessments, building plans, utility maps, and surveys to support efficient analysis.

The City emphasizes that the redevelopment must balance strong market opportunity with inclusive growth, public access to the riverfront and long‑term community benefit.

Key RFQ dates include:

  • RFQ release: Oct. 7, 2026

  • Questions due: Oct. 19, 2026

  • Optional site visit: Oct. 20, 2026

  • Submission deadline: Nov. 16, 2026

Respondents must submit one electronic PDF and 10 hard copies to the Economic Development Department. Full RFQ documents and updates are available at grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/economic-development. 

For inquiries, contact econdevshrd@grand-rapids.mi.us. 

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