2 E. Fulton Building's Fate Decided

Remember the building on 2 E. Fulton St that was blogged about a month or so ago? The one David Lorenz from Visbeen Associates designed concepts for and submitted as a piece to vote for during ArtPrize? Here's a quick refresher. Recently, the 2 E. Fulton St building (and its renderings) was discussed in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, which announced that this city "eyesore" will finally be renovated by Locus Development. Vacant since 1998, Locus Development will be investing $4.5 million into "historically redeveloping" this building.

While they are not giving out too much information just yet as to which business specifically will be occupying the space, John Green and Andy Winkle of Locus Development did reveal that the top floor will be occupied by an office tenant, and the ground floor will be a new restaurant. What type of restaurant is coming has yet to be said, but Green did say we do not have "this type" of eatery yet in Grand Rapids.

Green stated that he hopes for construction to begin near the end of the first quarter of 2012 and have the work finished before ArtPrize starts up again in September.

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Staff Post by Jonathan Lorenz

For the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring blog posts from the rest of the Visbeen Associates staff. Let's get started with a post from Jonathan and his idea to beautify Eastown:

My attempt at blog contribution is to take notice of the unremarkable but highly trafficked areas of our city and produce a quick concept sketch that will hopefully show a way architecture can improve the location. So here is my first one, the location is found in Eastown on the corner of Giddings and Wealthy, which is currently home to a do-it-yourself car wash. Car washes are incredibly bad for the environment, our Grand River, and all else down stream. The other fault of this type of commercial application is that one business with only one employee is using all the potential space that three or four businesses could easily occupy and employ a handful of neighborhood denizens. There are many more nuances for first selecting this site (e.g. unsightliness, night crime, environmental concerns as I mentioned earlier, etc.), but I think the economic benefit is truly primary here the others are an amazing benefit to creating truly sustainable buildings.

Keep in mind this is just sketching for fun. This building is not the start of a real project in any shape or form, but just for fun I would love to hear some comments and thoughts on what businesses could occupy the building. It could be anything; the sky is the limit. Personally, I would like to see a Jack-of-All-Trades take the corner unit and a classy P.I. above! Also what could happen with the streetscape that will tie this idea to the westerly residences and the rest of the commercial corridor to the east? Could a similar building be mirrored across the street in the vacant lot? Don't forget that Grand Rapids doesn't have a parking problem; what we have is a walking problem, so next we should fill in the parking lot with a real building! Let's get our DENSITY ON!

Before: The current view of Wealthy St with the car wash

After: Sans car wash, but a beautiful building in its place

Keep checking back to see more posts from the rest of the staff!

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Meadowview Transformed

Meadowview's patio area recently underwent an outstanding renovation. Check out these before and after photos to see how Visbeen Associates transformed this area to be an amazing, cozy getaway, just outside the resident's doors.

Before:

After:

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Haverhill and Broadway "After" Pictures

Here we have the latest "after" photos of the Haverhill Residence and the Broadway Residence. You still have the opportunity to experience these in person at the Fall Parade of Homes, going on now through this Saturday, the 22nd! Click here to view the guidebook, and be sure to come out and enjoy these designs by Visbeen Associates!

The Haverhill Residence (listed #20 in the guidebook):

The Broadway Residence (listed #9 in the guidebook):

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Olivia Grace TerVeen

Congratulations to

Chris & Megan TerVeen

on the birth of their beautiful daughter,

Olivia Grace!

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Kalamazoo Parade of Homes

Along with the Grand Rapids Parade of Homes, the Kalamazoo Parade of Homes is also going on right now, where you can experience this residence designed by Visbeen Associates:

Pine Cliff

Exterior 3D rendering of the Pine Cliff

The “Pine Cliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pine Cliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship.

The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

You can visit this residence at the Kalamazoo Parade of Homes, which is running from October 7 - October 22

Fridays: Saturdays: Sundays: Wednesdays:

4-8 p.m. 1-8 p.m. 1-5 p.m.* 4-8 p.m

*Please note that not all homes are open on Sundays.
*Remodeled and Showcase Homes are Open October 21-22 Only

For a guidebook, you can click here to download the PDF version. The "Pine Cliff" is listed as home number 2 on page 4 of the guidebook.

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FOX 17's Interview with Wayne

Take a look at this interview Wayne did with Fox 17 about the Fall Parade of Homes:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—
The annual "Fall Parade of Homes" kicked off Friday, in Grand Rapids. The event allows home builders to show off their latest and greatest designs, and try to sell a few models. However, 75% fewer homes are on display this year compared to 2006.

"The beauty of this particular condo, it’s a 4,000 square foot and it's a fabulous condo, it's a penthouse condo," says architect Wayne Visbeen. He spent the day showing people the million dollar unit inside River House Condos, in downtown Grand Rapids. It’s one of 25 homes on display, according to the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids. In 2006, 110 homes were a part of the tour.

"Well the market has been really tough," says Visbeen. "In 2008, Visbeen had 11 homes that were in the parade, with about 6 or 7 different builders, and this year we have two," the architect adds. He says two is actually a good number. “Because a couple years ago, we were down to none and one,” says Visbeen.

Architects and builders have a drop in building permits to blame. That means people can’t or don’t want to buy new. Emily Siebert with the Home Builders Association says those permits took a nose dive after 2006. ”There’s just not as much activity obviously in the building industry, it follows the economy. It follows all of those other metrics,” Siebert says.

“I think people have been really hesitant to spend money and build new homes. They’re all kind of holding back trying to watch what’s going on in the market place. But I do think that you’re starting to see people gain confidence in the market place,” Visbeen says optimistically.

With 25 homes to look at, builders say those who go on the parade have a better chance to see every single house along the route. They’re hoping to make a sale or at least spark some interest. Are you interested in the tour? http://www.hbaggr.com/events/parade-of-homes.html

Click here to see the story on Fox 17's website and watch the clip from the news broadcast.

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Fall Parade of Homes

The Fall Parade of Homes by the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids begins tomorrow, October 7, and goes through October 22. Take this opportunity to check out these two outstanding residences designed by Visbeen Associates!

The first residence is the Haverhill:

Exterior rendering of the Haverhill

The “Haverhill” is a simply elegant Georgian-style home. Symmetry and order are balanced by decorative details, all of which contribute to the authenticity of the design. Arched rooflines, copper dormers and stone masonry are just a few of the creative touches found on this home’s exterior.

Inside, living spaces are comfortable and open, with the kitchen, dining, sitting, and living areas connected. Multiple office and workspaces, as well as a screened porch and large patio are also included on in the main level floor plan.

The upper level features a large master bedroom, bathroom and connected laundry facility, as well as a home office and double en suite guest rooms.

The second residence is the Broadway:

Interior sketch of the bar at the Broadway

When you imagine a single floor, sky-rise living unit, it is not often that you picture a two-bedroom, four-bath luxury home. The “Broadway” will transform your definition of “apartment,” and might even convince you that city living is the way to go.

The master bedroom is opulently appointed, and includes a hearth area, Jacuzzi, and extensive walk-in closet. Adjacent is the kitchen and dining areas, which feature bar seating, a pantry and ample counter space for food preparation and entertaining. A comfortable home office is partitioned off from the sitting room, which leads out onto a private terrace.

Leading into the opposite wing of the home is a unique refreshment and kitchenette area. This large bar is situated along a bank of curving windows, giving residents a stunning view of the city below. Conveniently located around the corner is the recreation room, with space for billiards, game tables and a home theater. The guest bedroom, bathrooms, laundry, second terrace, and private study occupy the remainder of this extraordinary dwelling place.

Don't miss out on catching these gems at the Parade of Homes!
October 7 - October 22
Fridays, Saturdays, and Wednesdays: 1-8 pm

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Fall Parade of Homes: Haverhill

Included in this year's Fall Parade of Homes by the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids are two fabulous, yet very different residences designed by Visbeen Associates. The first of which is called the Haverhill and is in East Grand Rapids. Colonial in style, the Haverhill relies on classic lines and a pleasing symmetrical facade. A welcoming front door with transom windows and sidelights users guests inside, where a modern floor plan complements the home's historically inspired past. The main level features an open floor plan, with a central kitchen and dining area, a home office and formal living space with fireplace. A screened porch overlooks the backyard and leads to the spacious garage. Upstairs is a private master suite, two additional bedrooms and a family office. The lower level offers an exercise room, game space, family room and two bonus areas. Here is a little sneak peak of this stunning residence with photos taken at a private event at the home last week.

Exterior rendering of the Haverhill

Family room off of the kitchen turned into bar area for the private party

The open floor plan was the perfect layout for this party

Can't be a party without delicious food!

More delectables displayed on the butcher block kitchen island

Schmoozing in the kitchen / dining area

Guitar and viola music filled the home with the perfect ambiance

Don't miss your opportunity to tour this beautiful home as a part of the Parade of Homes starting this Friday, October 7 through October 22!

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