Bamboo to Revitalize Former UICA Building in Grand Rapids

The former Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) building in downtown Grand Rapids is set to undergo a major transformation. Bamboo, a Detroit-based coworking space company, has announced plans to redevelop the four-story building into a vibrant entrepreneurial hub. The project, which aims to reopen the space by late fall, will provide a range of facilities designed to foster innovation and collaboration among startups and entrepreneurs.

Details of the Redevelopment

Bamboo purchased the UICA building, located at the corner of Fulton Street and Division Avenue, for $4.5 million from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. The building had been vacant for five years following UICA’s departure during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Amanda Lewan, co-founder of Bamboo, the redevelopment will cost an estimated $10.2 million, including $3.1 million in renovations.

The revamped space will feature coworking lounges, flexible private offices, conference rooms, and an incubation center. Additional amenities include a 200-seat theater, a 4,000-square-foot rooftop patio, and a 2,500-square-foot creative lounge that can also serve as a venue for events. Bamboo also plans to reopen the building’s theater, which will be available for community and corporate events.

State Support and Economic Impact

The project has received significant financial backing from the state of Michigan. The Michigan Strategic Fund, through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is providing a $1.25 million grant and a $2.4 million loan under the State Small Business Credit Initiative. These funds aim to support the redevelopment and create a space that will drive economic growth in the region.

State officials have expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks stated, “This grant will bring high-paying jobs, support for our local businesses, and more community space to downtown Grand Rapids.” Similarly, state Rep. Kristian Grant highlighted the project’s role in fostering talent development and business innovation.

Start Garden and Midwest House as Key Tenants

Start Garden, a Grand Rapids-based organization dedicated to supporting startups, will serve as the anchor tenant of the new space. Paul Moore, one of Start Garden’s directors, emphasized the alignment of values between his organization and Bamboo, stating, “The density and scale of this new center is much bigger than anything we’ve had before in Grand Rapids.”

In addition to Start Garden, Midwest House, an events company focused on building community among innovators, will also co-locate at the Bamboo building. Midwest House plans to host programs and events aimed at fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs in the region.

Historical Context of the UICA Building

The UICA building originally opened in 2011 as part of a $38 million mixed-use project that included a city-owned public parking ramp and residential apartments. The UICA occupied the first four floors of the building but struggled with the high costs of maintaining the large space. In 2020, the UICA vacated the building, and in December 2022, it announced its permanent closure.

Bamboo’s acquisition and redevelopment of the building represent a new chapter for this iconic downtown space. By repurposing the building into a coworking and innovation hub, Bamboo aims to breathe new life into the area and contribute to the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Bamboo plans to host an event on June 2 at Start Garden’s current office to share more details about the project with the public. The event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the new space and its potential benefits for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

As the project moves forward, Bamboo and its partners aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Grand Rapids. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the new coworking hub is poised to become a cornerstone of innovation in the region.

The transformation of the former UICA building into an entrepreneurial hub underscores the potential of adaptive reuse in urban development. As Bamboo and its partners work to bring their vision to life, the project promises to deliver lasting benefits for the Grand Rapids community.

Source: Azat TV