Magellan Brings National Development Expertise, Shared Vision to Fulton & Market
Magellan Development Group, a nationally recognized real estate developer based in Chicago, has been selected as the development partner for the Fulton & Market project. Magellan will bring national expertise and a shared vision for creating a best-in-class development that reflects Grand Rapids’ unique character.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this project,” said J.R. Berger, President of Magellan. “The DeVos and Van Andel families’ long-term stewardship of Grand Rapids makes this opportunity so special — and their vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to build something that truly belongs here and serves the city for generations.”
J.R. Berger, President of Magellan, and Ryan Schell, Magellan’s Vice President of Development, discuss the Fulton & Market project during a recent visit to Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of: Fulton & Market
“The DeVos and Van Andel families’ long-term stewardship of Grand Rapids makes this opportunity so special — and their vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to build something that truly belongs here and serves the city for generations.”
A Nationally Proven Partner
Founded in 1996, Magellan is a family-owned, fully integrated development company with a 30-year track record of delivering large-scale, mixed-use communities across the country. Its core business of 55 development professionals is supported by affiliated companies in construction management, property management, sales, and marketing.
The firm’s portfolio includes Lakeshore East in Chicago, a 26-acre award-winning master-planned community which includes the iconic St Regis Chicago and Aqua Tower; The W Nashville; and the Thompson and Tommie Hotels in Austin. Across every project, Magellan has specialized in weaving together residential, hospitality, and commercial components in ways that meet the needs of the market while creating vibrant, connected communities.
“Our primary business is ground-up development in urban environments,” Berger said. “From luxury residential to hospitality, our projects are designed to be best in class yet deeply rooted in the culture of each community.”
Why Grand Rapids, Why Fulton & Market
For Magellan, Grand Rapids stood out as a city ready for this scale of investment.
Civic alignment: With community, business, and elected leaders rallying behind the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium, and riverfront redevelopment, Grand Rapids signaled it is in growth mode.
Market demand: The city is primed for new levels of residential and hospitality offerings, with unmet demand for high-quality urban living spaces.
Stewardship: The ownership families’ stewardship and commitment to the community were decisive factors.
For Ryan Schell, Magellan’s Vice President of Development, the decision was also personal. A Michigan native, Schell has spent time in Grand Rapids throughout his life and returns often with his family. “I’ve seen this city grow and evolve,” Schell said. “To now help shape this site — steps from the amphitheater and riverfront development — is incredibly exciting. The opportunity is here, and it’s exactly the kind of project that aligns with our expertise.”
“I’ve seen this city grow and evolve,” Schell said. “To now help shape this site — steps from the amphitheater and riverfront development — is incredibly exciting. The opportunity is here, and it’s exactly the kind of project that aligns with our expertise.”
Magellan's Lakeshore East project in Chicago features a 6-acre botanical park. Photo courtesy of: Magellan Development Group.
Beyond Buildings: A Community-Centered Approach
Magellan emphasizes that successful developments are more than bricks and mortar — they are ecosystems. In Chicago, the firm has activated neighborhoods with restaurants, retail, movies in the park, and community events ranging from Easter egg hunts to local vendor showcases.
That same ethos will guide its work in Grand Rapids. “To be truly transformational, Fulton & Market must amplify what’s happening downtown and connect people to the riverfront, amphitheater, stadium, retail, hospitality and cultural events,” Schell said.
Brad Thomas, Principal at Progressive Companies and Program Manager who has led pre-development for Fulton & Market for about 3.5 years, said Magellan was the right fit for the next stage. “Their experience, their approach, and their values aligned with everything the ownership group envisioned,” Thomas said. “Grand Rapids deserves something truly unique, and Magellan has the expertise to deliver.”
Magellan's W Nashville is a premier upscale lifestyle luxury hotel located in The Gulch, the fastest growing neighborhood in Nashville. Photo courtesy of: Magellan Development Group.
The Road Ahead
The partnership with Magellan comes as the Fulton & Market team continues advancing its Transformational Brownfield Plan with the State of Michigan, a critical step before construction can begin. While the timeline for groundbreaking depends on state approvals, Magellan leaders say they are eager to move forward.
“Our job is to take the strong foundation that’s already been built and execute on the vision,” Berger said. “From refining the master plan to assembling the technical team, to ultimately managing the property, we are here for the long term. This is the kind of project our company loves to work on.”
About Fulton & Market
The Fulton & Market site spans about seven acres along the west bank of the Grand River. Conceptual plans call for a residential tower, hotel and condominium complex, corporate headquarters, and parking decks lined with retail, hospitality, and residential space to bring connectivity and vibrancy to the sports and entertainment district.
It is part of a larger, 31-acre redevelopment area that includes the Acrisure Amphitheater and will serve as a key connection point for riverfront trails from Lowell to Lake Michigan. Anchored by civic investments, Fulton & Market represents one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in Grand Rapids’ history.
Magellan's Lakeshore East, a large-scale residential, retail and commercial development in Chicago. Photo courtesy of: Magellan Development Group.
