The transformation of 111 Lyon in downtown Grand Rapids is complete, and units are now leasing. The former Old Kent Bank building is home to the Residences at 111 Lyon, a modern residential tower that honors its mid-century roots while bringing 140 new apartments to the heart of the city.
Pre-construction of 111 Lyon. Image courtesy of CWD Real Estate Investment.
Details
The 111 Lyon Residences project has wrapped, turning one of downtown Grand Rapids' most recognizable high-rises into a fully leased residential community. Once home to Old Kent Bank, the building now carries new life as apartments while holding onto the mid-century character that made it a landmark in the first place.
SCOPE
The full-building renovation touched 10 floors, converting former office space into contemporary housing. Work included new mechanical, electrical, and plumbling (MEP) systems to reconstructed interiors, modernized elevators, and freshly built-out units and common spaces. Construction kicked off in early 2025 and crews worked their way down floor by floor, wrapping up with a ribbon-cutting in June 2026.
CURRENT STATUS
Today, 140 apartments are open and leasing, complete with amenities like a fitness center, indoor pool, golf simulator, and pickleball court. It's a notable first for the state too, marking Michigan's first major office-to-residential conversion and adding much-needed housing to the heart of downtown.
111 Lyon ground breaking in 2025. Image courtesy of CWD Real Estate Investment.
Impact
The renovation of 111 Lyon marks a major milestone in the continued revitalization of downtown Grand Rapids. By converting this centrally located tower into active residential space, the project has added to downtown vibrancy, housing availability, and the adaptive reuse of historic architecture. Its location near Monroe Center, Rosa Parks Circle, and the convention center strengthens pedestrian energy and economic potential in the area.
KEY PARTNERS
Local Trades & Subcontractors – Including HVAC, electrical, fire suppression, and interior finishing crews
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Adds high-quality housing to a high-demand urban area
Activated a previously underused building in a prime location and pioneered office-to-residential conversion.
Preserves and reimagines a piece of Grand Rapids’ architectural history
Supports walkability, transit access, and downtown amenities
ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACT
The redevelopment of 111 Lyon supported job creation through local contracting and construction trades. Now complete, the project provides new housing options for residents looking to live downtown, contributing to the city's goals of sustainable urban growth. It adds to downtown density, brings more foot traffic to nearby businesses, and reinforces Grand Rapids' reputation as a city that values both its heritage and its future.