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Gallery on Fulton Square - Grand Rapids, Michigan
RSC & Associates was selected by the City of Grand Rapids to develop a key downtown parcel located at the convergence of Grand Rapid's art, entertainment, cultural, and historic districts. The development offers 40,800 square feet of commercial space, 56 luxury apartment units and a 236 space parking ramp. The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts will purchase approximately 38,000 square feet and move into a state-of-the-art facility including galleries, a film theater, ceramics studio, black box event space and a garden terrace. The balance of the retail space is designated for small scale retail shops.
The project was completed in September, 2010 with approximately 50% of the units leased prior to opening. Rents are at the high end of the marketplace and conservative projections assume full lease up by early in the first quarter of 2011.
Designed by Built Form Architects, the design intent is to draw people to the commercial spaces by taking advantage of both of the site's corner exposures and excellent location. The northwest corner features the galleries of the cultural entertainment-based UICA program that, in addition to the Van Andel Arena and other neighboring entertainment venues, will direct pedestrian traffic through the site. The northeast corner is the entrance to the culturally based UICA. The two corners are linked by a two-tier pedestrian walkway and exhibition gallery designed to facilitate pedestrian access to the main galleries and theaters. This corner mirrors the layout of the neighboring buildings and compliments the open space of the plaza adjacent to the Children's Museum. To the west and across the street are two successful restaurants and entertainment venues which have helped create an entertainment / restaurant presence complimenting the B.O.B. entertainment and restaurant area three blocks away.
The Gallery is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible - the first green residential project in Michigan. The construction of the building utilized recyclable materials including steel, glass and aluminum and will be LEED certified. The unique design includes a "green screen" facade system with climate tolerant plantings that will reduce the amount and rate of storm water runoff and water consumption.
Visit www.thegallerygr.com.
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