In late 2025, Big Rapids city commissioners approved plans for a new housing development on the east side of the city.

Here are the key basics about the project:

 

THE LOCATION

The project calls for 54 single-family homes on a nearly 20-acre lot at 1102 Bjornson Street on the east side of Big Rapids.

The development will resemble a suburban neighborhood, with houses lined up along a four-street grid. Located south of Harding Drive, it will extend Mechanic Street and Loudon Street northward. It will also add Leonard Street, running east west, and Glen Elm Street, running north-south but unconnected to existing roads

“Big Rapids is very excited to get many new homes,” Mayor Fred Guenther said. “The development will be very professional and should move along quickly. The housing needs for many area residents will be fulfilled.”

 

THE LOTS

According to blueprints from Green Development Ventures, most homes will sit on lots of approximately 11,000 to 15,000 square feet. A few lots on the west side will be as large as 25,000 square feet. All homes will have sewer and storm-sewer service, as well as 8-inch and 12-inch water mains. Underground utilities will include electric, gas, telephone and cable television service.

^{A proposed blueprint layout of the Sandy Acres development from the July 16, 2025 Big Rapids Planning Commission Meeting (courtesy of Green Development Ventures & Allen Edwin Homes).}

 

Floor plans range from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet, depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Each home will feature an open-concept layout with energy-efficient appliances and an attached two-car garage. Other amenities include quartz countertops, interior mudrooms, eat-in kitchens and low-E windows.

Prices are initially estimated at $288,000 to $380,000, depending on the floor plan. The Allen Edwin Homes development site lists more than 26 different floor plans available.

 

THE TIMELINE

Formal discussions began in July 2025, when the Planning Commission recommended the site plans. The City Commission took up the project in August and approved the site plans two months later. In January 2026, the city approved the development agreement for Sandy Acres. The $18 million investment includes $1 million from the city for infrastructure costs.

Site work has begun, including a water main tie-in on April 23. Infrastructure and home construction are slated to begin on Phase One, which will include the first 27 homes on the western portion of the property. Phase One is targeted for completion by early 2027. Phase Two will include the remaining 27 homes on the eastern portion and is targeted for completion sometime in 2028.

 

THE PARTNERS

Green Development Ventures LLC, a Michigan-based residential developer headquartered in Portage, is leading the project. The company has completed similar projects in Muskegon and Niles and has ongoing work in Greenville, Marshall, Allegan and Corunna. It operates as the workforce housing subsidiary of Allen Edwin Homes, a large regional builder with operations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

 

For more information on the homes being built, visit the Edwin Allen Homes site here: SANDY ACRES HOME BUILDS.