Flats at Huff Park Project Moves Toward Approval
The proposed 72-unit apartment development in Grand Rapids could receive $5.7 million in brownfield tax support.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Apartments
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The Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has recommended a $5.7 million tax incentive plan for the new 72-unit Flats at Huff Park apartment development. This project aims to transform a challenging 5.28-acre site at 2286 Ball Ave. NE into a mix of one- and two-bedroom rentals.
Why it matters
This development addresses the remediation of a site currently burdened by asbestos, steep grades, and unsuitable soil, which previously stalled interest from other developers. The project also introduces 15 new housing units specifically reserved for residents earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income.
The $15.6 million project at 2286 Ball Ave. NE will replace a former school with three buildings containing 54 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments. The site plan includes 32 garage stalls, with 15 of the units designated as affordable for those at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
The players
Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
A municipal agency tasked with providing financial support to revitalize contaminated or underutilized urban properties.
MOXIE Real Estate + Development
The private firm leading the construction and design of the apartment community.
Grand Rapids City Commission
The local governing body responsible for final oversight and holding public hearings on city development projects.
The details
The developer, MOXIE Real Estate + Development, requires the $5.7 million in tax increment financing to offset the high costs of addressing environmental and topographical site hazards. The process involves the total demolition of the former Huff Elementary School building followed by specialized construction to stabilize the steep, flood-prone land. Once the brownfield plan amendment receives final approval, the site will transition from a vacant, unusable parcel to a multi-family residential complex.
Timeline
August 2026: The 5.28-acre parcel was purchased for $850,000.
October 28, 2026: The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recommended the project plan.
Spring 2027: Construction is expected to break ground.
Summer 2028: The developer aims to complete the project.
The Home Front
This development utilizes the standard regulatory framework for remediating contaminated urban sites to overcome significant topographical and environmental hurdles. It follows a growing trend of using tax increment financing to make infill housing projects financially viable in complex, high-maintenance urban areas.
Residents near Ball Ave. NE should prepare for construction activity to commence in the spring of 2027. If you are interested in applying for one of the 15 units reserved for low-income housing, watch for future public hearing notices from the City Commission to learn when leasing information will become available.
The takeaway
The transformation of this vacant, hazardous school site into residential housing will eventually add 72 units to the local rental market. Future tenants should keep an eye on upcoming City Commission meeting agendas for details regarding the project's final approval timeline.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental housing trends in our Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
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Should the city approve tax incentives to help developers build housing on challenging urban land?
