Leonard Apartments is a new construction, senior housing development designed to
provide high-quality, service-supported housing for residents age 55 and older within an
urban corridor along Leonard Street. The project replaces a former funeral home, which
was demolished to accommodate the new development, and required careful
coordination with regulatory agencies due to the site’s location and historic
considerations.

The building is organized as a U-shaped structure with a massing strategy that
responds to its urban context. Along Leonard Street, the building presents as three
stories, stepping up to four stories at the rear of the site to accommodate neighborhood
scale. A bridge connects the two southern ends of the building along the Leonard Street
frontage, creating a defining architectural feature and providing access to two rooftop
decks that are also connected by the bridge. These elevated outdoor spaces offer
residents shared amenities with views to the surrounding neighborhood and enhance
opportunities for social interaction.

Developed under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) 9%
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, Leonard Apartments was subject to
MSHDA cost controls, and review processes. A Section 106 review was also performed,
requiring documentation and coordination to address potential historic impacts
associated with demolition of the former structure and new construction within the
corridor.

The development includes a total of 55 apartment units, offering a mix of one- and two-
bedroom layouts designed to support independent living for seniors. The project is a
designated 55+ community, with a limited number of units set aside to serve Native
American residents. Unit designs prioritize accessibility, durability, and comfort,
supporting aging in place.

The building program includes a resident community room, property management
offices, and a lounge area that together serve as the social and operational core of the
development. These spaces were designed to encourage daily interaction, support
resident services, and foster a strong sense of community.

Site improvements include a new parking lot, electric vehicle charging stations, and a
centrally located outdoor courtyard that provides a secure and inviting space for passive
recreation and gathering. The courtyard, in combination with the rooftop decks, offers
multiple indoor and outdoor amenities tailored to senior residents.

The project is designed to achieve Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification,
reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and resident health.
Anticipated strategies include high-performance building systems, improved envelope design, water-efficient fixtures, durable materials, and enhanced indoor environmental
quality.

Leonard Apartments also incorporates project-based rental assistance through the
Grand Rapids Housing Commission and the Wyoming Housing Commission,
strengthening long-term affordability and housing stability for residents. Through
thoughtful massing, robust amenity programming, regulatory coordination, and a
commitment to sustainability, Leonard Apartments delivers a modern, inclusive senior
housing community that contributes positively to the Leonard Street corridor.