Grand Rapids, Mich. – Wolverine Building Group of Grand Rapids has begun the interior build-out of the Flat Iron Building on Monroe Center with a projected completion date of early November.
“We are thrilled to be one step closer to moving into the Flat Iron Building, which is Grand Rapids’ oldest commercial building,” says Bill Scarbrough, Smith Haughey Rice Roegge’s chief operating officer. “Smith Haughey has a long history in the community, as does our new headquarters, and we are thrilled to be moving even closer to the heart of Grand Rapids’ business district.”
The project includes approximately 26,600 square feet with the ground floor housing a reception area, elevator and an open tenant space, which was formerly occupied by Blake’s Turkey.
“The second, third, and fourth floors are Smith Haughey’s professional offices and conference rooms-polished off with a rooftop deck overlooking the heart of the city,” says Wolverine Building Group project manager, Matt Zimmerman.
The Flat Iron Building is a historic preservation project that has received historic tax credits and boasts several features including two advertising murals, both over 100 years old. The murals previously adorned the outside of the building but now make up the interior walls, after the buildings were enclosed some years ago.
“The Flat Iron Building is an excellent example of historic preservation and brownfield redevelopment taking place in Grand Rapids this year,” says Kara Wood, City of Grand Rapids economic development director. “We are thrilled to have Smith Haughey investing in Grand Rapids’ downtown infrastructure.”
Most recently the Flat Iron Building underwent exterior renovations including updated windows, cornices, storefronts and entrances.
“The Flat Iron Building is historically significant to the Grand Rapids community and it has been our focus, as well as Smith Haughey’s, to turn a 150-year-old building into an example of environmental building practices,” says John Green, partner at Locus Development, developer on the project.