Third Coast In The News

Old factory revived as condo project, Jim Harger, The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids, Mich., .3 May 22, 2006

GRAND RAPIDS -- Yet another old furniture factory is headed for the housing market on downtown's north edge.

Developer Brad Rosely said Friday he plans to convert the former Waddell Manufacturing Co., 1115 Taylor Ave. NW, into a mixed-use development that will include apartments or condominiums. Rosely, who acquired the building last month, has applied for property tax breaks from the city to assist the $1 million project. The building also will need to be rezoned.

"We're really excited about it. We probably will be under construction in 30 to 60 days," Rosely said.

Although architects have just begun working on renovation plans for the 100-plus-year-old factory, Rosely said he envisions retail shops or offices on the ground floor.

The size of the residential units will depend on whether the building is renovated into condominiums or apartments, he said.

The lower level of the factory probably will become a parking garage for residents.

Waddell Manufacturing Co. made wood furniture decorations for 111 years before it closed in 1990. The family-owned firm employed as many as 80 workers in its heyday.

In recent years, the building has become an eyesore in the rapidly redeveloping neighborhood, Rosely said.

According to historic records, part of the factory served as a hotel before it was acquired by Waddell in 1890 and converted into a factory.

Rosely's plans follow a trend that began seven years ago when developer Tom Beckering purchased the old Berkey & Gay furniture factory at 959 Monroe Ave. NW and converted it into The Boardwalk, an apartment and office complex.