Baker Lofts set for old Baker factory

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An $18 million project is breathing new life into an old building and vitality into the changing neighborhood between Division and US-131 in Grand Rapids.

Layer by layer, workers are peeling back the old paint, asbestos and history in the old Baker Furniture factory at 40 Logan SW.

Developers hope to make it part of history again in the rebirth of this old industrial neighborhood south of downtown.

"The history of this building really reflects the history, to a large degree, of the furniture industry of Grand Rapids," said developer Mike Jacobson.

Once it's done, the old factory will be called Baker Lofts and have 87 one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in price from $450 to $750 per month. It's the kind of affordable housing developers say is needed for the area.

The idea in redoing this building is to bring in young professionals and others who will continue the area's rejuvenation.

Baker Lofts will be located one block south of the Downtown Market, which is being built just south of Wealthy Street and west of Division Avenue.

"It will add to the enthusiasm of activity in this area without a doubt," Jacobson said, "and will attract people who undoubtedly want to be a part, not just of the downtown, but the excitement going on within the area."