McKay Tower owners tap original Grand Rapids contractor to manage ballroom construction

The new owners of McKay Tower are getting back to the building’s roots by hiring the tower’s original contractor to complete a remodeling project taking place in the old second floor bank lobby.

Steadfast Property Holdings announced Wednesday that Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. would manage construction of “The Ballroom at McKay,” a project to restore the former Grand Rapids National Bank lobby into a banquet facility.

Founded in Grand Rapids in 1891, Owen-Ames-Kimball, or OAK, was the original contractor on the construction of both the first three stories in 1916, and the additional 11 stories added to the building in 1925.

“Our history is really important to us,” said OAK President Frank Stanek in a statement, calling the project a “great opportunity” to “continue the story that our founders helped write nearly a century ago.”

Read More >>

Morton House, Kendall Building redevelopment ‘just a portion’ of what’s next for Monroe Center

What’s next for Monroe Center?

After decades of high vacancy along the historical retail hub of Grand Rapids, occupancy is peaking in buildings that were largely forgotten in the 1970s and ’80s.

Downtown and city officials speak highly of the economic health of Monroe Center, a main street that has been grappling with declining shopping dollars for much of the past half-century.

Aside from the closing of Van Hoecks Shoes this fall after 70 years as a downtown mainstay, officials see the street as rebounding economically. Today, Monroe Center boasts a stronger commercial picture, which is expected to continue to improve as several redevelopment projects bloom in 2013 and the coming years.

“The fact that we have so many of the upper floors occupied that were vacant for decades is really important because now you’re starting to build in a density of residents and office tenants that can help support that retail on the ground floor,” said Suzanne Schulz, planning director for the city of Grand Rapids.

Read More >>

New McKay Tower owner gets planning commission OK for bank lobby ballroom project

City planners have given the green light to plans by the new owners of McKay Tower to convert the building’s soaring second-floor bank lobby space into a public banquet room.

The Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved the special land use request from Steadfast Property Holdings on Thursday, Nov. 8. Steadfast is a business entity owned by Jonathan Borisch, founder of what’s now Amphenol Borisch Technologies of Kentwood.

Borisch purchased the downtown landmark in May for $10.5 million.

“The Ballroom at McKay” would be used for special events like wedding receptions, business meetings, holiday parties and banquets of up to 250 people. The ballroom will seek permits for alcohol service.

In a news release, Steadfast said would it begin renovations immediately upon receiving approval from the City Commission, which must give final say on the plans on Nov. 27.

Read More >>