
Sydney Smith
Staff Writer, covers real estate and economic development
Twitter: @BizSyd
Email: [email protected]
Home builders seek uniformity, ‘essential’ status in Michigan as projects slow
Home builders across the U.S. are seeking a uniform declaration that their work is essential as states, including Michigan, issue strict stay-at-home orders to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Property managers take case-by-case approach with commercial tenants affected by pandemic
GRAND RAPIDS — Facility owners and property managers are working with their commercial tenants during a time when most retailers and restaurants have had to severely cut operations.
Employers take varied approaches to labor issues amid COVID-19
Many businesses are grappling with labor issues amid a stay-home order issued by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Clark Logic plans 262K-square-foot industrial spec building in Battle Creek
BATTLE CREEK — Portage-based Clark Logic LLC plans to break ground in June on the first phase of a speculative industrial project in Battle Creek.
Battle Creek Unlimited doubles loan fund for businesses affected by COVID-19
BATTLE CREEK — The city of Battle Creek’s economic development agency has doubled its emergency loan fund to $1 million as more small businesses are impacted by the coronavirus.
Construction companies assess what stay-home order means for projects
GRAND RAPIDS — Construction companies and contractors are figuring out what a shelter in place order for Michigan means for their projects.
Chicago company plans large marijuana complex in Battle Creek
BATTLE CREEK — After scrapping plans in Muskegon County, the creators of a large agricultural and industrial complex for growing cannabis have decided to locate in the Cereal City.
Michigan unemployment claims continue to spike
Unemployment claims in Michigan have increased 1,500 percent following the widespread closure of food and entertainment businesses to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Spectrum Health collecting protective equipment to sustain supply
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health is seeking items like face masks and hand sanitizer in light of a national shortage of personal protective equipment for hospital workers and patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Battle Creek Unlimited creates small business emergency fund
BATTLE CREEK — Battle Creek Unlimited Inc., the economic development arm for the city of Battle Creek, has established a $500,000 emergency small business loan fund in the wake of COVID-19.
Michigan unemployment claims rise 550% after widespread closures
Michigan unemployment claims have increased 550 percent since the state ordered service industry businesses to largely close down to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Marijuana businesses expedite curbside pickup, delivery after state issues temporary rules
Medical and recreational marijuana businesses are determining how to deliver cannabis to customers after the state’s regulatory agency issued temporary rules to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
MBI Automation purchases new building in Wyoming
WYOMING — An affiliate of MBI Automation LLC has purchased a 7,800-square-foot office facility in the Grand Rapids area.
Status quo: GR debates increasing sites for marijuana businesses; equity, local ownership concerns remain
GRAND RAPIDS — Following mixed messages from the Grand Rapids City Commission late last month, marijuana advocates hope city officials will ultimately open more properties for medical and recreational facilities.
Opportunity Zones attract affordable housing developers
GRAND RAPIDS — Developers behind two affordable housing developments in Grand Rapids credit their locations within Opportunity Zones for helping make the projects feasible.
Lott3Metz partners with Detroit firm Crutcher Studio
GRAND RAPIDS — Lott3Metz Architecture LLC and Detroit-based Crutcher Studio Inc. have formed a partnership to propose larger developments in Southeast Michigan.
Local bars, restaurants take precautions against coronavirus
GRAND RAPIDS — Restaurants and breweries across West Michigan are taking precautions to protect employees and patrons from coronavirus.
Developers try to fill needs in affordable senior housing
GRAND RAPIDS — Local developers are working to increase access to affordable housing for seniors who want to remain in their neighborhoods.
Employers must communicate with workers about coronavirus policies
Leigh Schultz, a senior principal attorney in the Kalamazoo office of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone PLC, has been fielding calls from her clients about what action they need to take regarding COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus.
Chicago firm proposes 167-unit apartment building near downtown Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — A Chicago-based real estate firm has proposed a $26.1 million, 167-unit apartment building near downtown Grand Rapids.
616 Lofts founder Coppess sued by attorneys for unpaid fees
GRAND RAPIDS — Derek Coppess, the founder of the bankrupt 616 Lofts LLC who has faced a string of lawsuits related to various development entities, has run into another legal challenge, this time from his former legal advisers.
Spectrum Health continues land acquisition in GR’s Monroe North district
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health continues to amass more properties in the Monroe North business district near its planned Center for Transformation and Innovation, MiBiz has learned.
After 616 Lofts fallout, Coppess attempts a comeback
GRAND RAPIDS — A little more than a year after his flagship company removed him as a manager and declared bankruptcy, developer Derek Coppess has re-emerged on the scene with a new real estate venture.
Newaygo County working on development opportunities
Situated about 35 miles north of Grand Rapids, Newaygo County is a mostly rural area of Michigan that boasts an abundance of natural resources, but struggles with infrastructure.
Local outdoor retailers find success in niche market
Retailers serving the outdoor recreation niche say focusing on that specialty has helped them remain viable operations in West Michigan.
Groups work to build diversity, inclusion into outdoor recreation efforts
Some Grand Rapids residents have never stepped foot in the Grand River. In fact, a very small population of people currently use the river to recreate.
Q&A: Dr. Laurel Ofstein Associate Professor, Western Michigan University
Women entrepreneurs face significant challenges in growing their companies, but there are ways to improve the business environment to make it better. That’s the central theme of a study released by Bank of America and Babson College that identified what entrepreneurs can learn from industry-leading women business owners.
Jedco Inc. gets $1.9 million from the state, plans move
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Rapids-based Jedco Inc. is expanding and planning to move from its current location.
Dan Vos Construction building new headquarters
ADA — About 15 feet away from its current facility, Dan Vos Construction Co. is building a new headquarters.
Mary Free Bed acquires two properties for future expansion
GRAND RAPIDS — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has purchased two parcels in Grand Rapids for future expansion, MiBiz has learned.