Client
Lofts on Ionia
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Year
2015
First Companies was hired to “connect” two historic buildings in downtown Grand Rapids to create the 22,000 SF Lofts on Ionia – a mixed-use building that includes dining, office, and living space. Given the historic significance of the structures, the team was limited on modifications they could make to the exterior. The completed project provides highly desirable restaurant space on the ground level with two partial floors of office space and 23 apartments, including two-story loft-style apartments and executive suites.
Given the unique nature of the project, careful planning with the designer, architect, engineers, and trade contractors was essential. The removed the old freight elevator, modified structural columns, installed a new ADA ramp, and removed a “half-height” floor on the 1 Ionia side to construct new loft-style apartments above. In addition to determining the best way to link the two buildings, First Companies carefully planned how to accommodate the needs of existing tenants during construction. All work was completed as scheduled and on budget.
“The design phase was particularly challenging as one of the two buildings had a 5th floor that was half the normal height. This was the area we converted into two-story lofts. Ionia is also where we brought in a number of innovative changes; through this project we saw just how much good up-front design would impact construction. Ionia Street helped us develop a strong discipline of looking at projects from all perspectives – streamlining our processes and ensuring the best possible outcome.”
– Monica Steimle, Director of Development
