Downtown Muskegon Blog

Investment in lower Western Avenue (near the intersections of 7th, Western, and Clay) has been pouring in over the last two years, with the renovation of Muskegon Boilerworks into the ArtWorks apartments, the opening of the Clay Avenue Cellars in the old Freres Bros. filling station, and the transformation of 609 W. Western into the Tipsy Toad. In close proximity to Heritage Landing and its hundreds of thousands of visitors, with a newly completed Western Avenue streetscape, with views of Muskegon Lake, and with much of the area being located in a Renaissance Zone, it is easy to see why the area is taking off.

The most recent project to the mix is Renaissance Place, a 24 unit, senior town home project being developed by Brookstone Capital and built by Triangle Associates. We caught up with Todd Conzemius, the site superintendent for Triangle to give us a progress update.

MS: Anyone driving by can see that Renaissance Place is well underway. What has been completed to this point?

TC: The foundation walls are complete and the structural masonry is done, including both stair towers and elevator shaft. The 1st floor underground plumbing is roughed-in and the slab has been placed. We will be starting the stone and brick on the exterior of the stair towers, set wall panels and set steel for the parking area next week. We are on schedule at this point.

MS: What’s the vision for the project in terms of a completed project?

TC: Since the building exterior is brick and stone construction, when completed, Renaissance Place will look as if the building had been planned as an integral part of the Muskegon downtown community. In terms of physical appearance and design, this new building demonstrates how a small infill project can help transform the neighborhood into an asset for the downtown community.

MS: And a timeline for completion?

TC: April 29th is our planned occupancy date.

MS: How do you feel this project is going to transform the surrounding neighborhood? Obviously it is going to get more people living in this section of downtown Muskegon.

TC: Gary Breen, an architect with Concept Design Studio, was charged to create a design for the building that would transform the neighborhood, on a lot that once contained vacant warehouse, into a vibrant residential streetscape. By creating five residential entrances fronting along Clay Street, it will appear as though there are individual residential town homes, helping the three story building present a residential appearance. There will be front and side yards with ornamental fencing and new tree plantings along Clay Street. The site is ideal for this type of senior residential development as it transitions from single family homes across the street on Clay to the two story commercial buildings on Western Avenue. When the new senior residents begin to occupy the units next spring, it will certainly bring more people to this part of downtown. Children and grandchildren will visit their relatives; perhaps shop and dine out at several restaurants downtown. The new residents will enjoy being just a block away from Muskegon Lake and being close to many of downtown’s attraction and entertainment venues. It’s a win-win situation for the Muskegon downtown community.

MS: If people are interested in renting a unit when completed how do they go about that?

TC: They may call 231 728-5300 for more information or visit the website at http://myrenaissanceplace.com/. The new senior residential rental community is for persons 55 or older and income qualifications apply.

MS: Isn't it a beautiful work site for the crew! You must enjoy being so close to Muskegon Lake and getting great views while working on the second story of the project

TC: I personally have not been up that high yet but that time will come soon when we get the second and third floors framed this month. I grew up in the Muskegon area surrounded by water. It is terrific to be working in my home town again and especially nice to be this close to the water on a day to day basis.

MS: Well, thanks for the update and we look forward to the completion of the project.

TC: You are welcome and thanks for the opportunity to discuss this project with Muskegon.

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