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The Grand Castle is a multi-family residential development in Grandville, Michigan with 520 apartment units.[2] The Grand Castle's design was inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle[1] and it has been described as "the second largest castle structure in the world."[3] (The largest castle in the world measured by land area is Malbork Castle in Poland).

Key Information

History

[edit]

After years of lower building proposals in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, proposals and new construction began to increase to some of their highest rates in 2015 and 2016.[4] In 2015, Roger Lucas, owner of Grand Castle, LLC, and the site's developer, submitted plans to the City of Grandville, Michigan for the Grand Castle.

The site was originally developed by La Grande LLC as the LaGrande Mobile Home Park in 1957, which was one of the oldest mobile home developments in the area. LaGrande Mobile Home Park closed in 2005 to be marketed for redevelopment for highest and best use. Grand Castle LLC acquired the 23.6-acre site from La Grande LLC in May 2016 [5] and planned for a Mixed Use Planned Unit Development (MPUD) of the Grand Castle.[6]

In 2016, Grand Castle, LLC purchased 52-acre Sanford Lake, that adjoins the 23.6-acre development site. Sanford Lake was previously owned by Grand Rapids Gravel Company.[7] Sanford Lake formed years ago when the local gravel company actively mined the area. Gravel mining operations at the location ended several years ago, making Sanford Lake a safe habitat for various species of wildlife, including ducks, geese, northern pike, largemouth bass, and many other animals.[citation needed]

As of August 2018, only 50 people had placed money deposits on the apartments, resulting in a less than 10% confirmed level of interest.[8]

Design and construction

[edit]

The owner, Roger Lucas, admired Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and said he and his family visited the Bavarian castle "at least 10 times". The original proposal for the 23.6-acre site included a 10-story building with 356 multi-family units, though the final design is larger.[1][3][9]

Construction for the Grand Castle began in April 2016, with the castle passing the 100-foot mark on September 13, 2016.[1][3] Construction materials include, but are not limited to concrete precast walls and siding, "Red Iron" roof trusses, and steel panel roofing. The Grand Castle now houses 508 multi-family units which range from studio to three-story penthouse. There are also plans for 750 covered parking spaces, a clubhouse, a resort-style swimming pool, dog park, and a community beach with fire pits. Additional recreation activities include swimming, fishing, or kayaking at Sanford Lake, a walking trail, and other amenities.[1][3][9][7]

Michigan OSHA conducted several inspections during construction. These inspections resulted in 12 violations, nine of which were "serious."[10]

Proposed developments

[edit]

Phase II of the Grand Castle's site development includes plans for an additional 104 residential units, situated in 13 carriage house buildings that contain 8 residential units each, around the Grand Castle's perimeter.[11] In addition, Phase II includes building 64,500 square feet of office and retail space along frontage on 28th Street.[11][3]

Since opening

[edit]

The first tenants signed their leases and moved in during November 2018. However, only the second and third floors were finished upon opening, and some amenities like the fitness centre had not been completed either.[12]

On 21 October 2021 the Grand Castle's developer and then-owner Roger Lucas died after suffering a heart attack. In obituaries, the Grand Castle was described as Lucas' "passion project".[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grand Castle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Grand Castle is a 15-story residential apartment complex in , designed to resemble a medieval castle and modeled after Germany's iconic . Completed in 2019, it spans over 1.2 million square feet and houses 522 units, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, making it one of the largest multi-family developments in . The structure is often promoted as one of the largest castle-inspired buildings in the world by floor area, due to its elaborate featuring turrets, stone facades, and a moat-like water feature. Developed by Land & Co., led by Roger Lucas, the project broke ground in 2017 and was constructed using panels for efficiency, blending modern amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, walking trails, and lake access with its whimsical, fairy-tale exterior. Situated near , it offers residents proximity to Grand Rapids while providing upscale living options with rents starting around $1,010 for studios and up to $2,255 for three-bedroom units as of 2025 listings. The development has garnered attention for its unique aesthetic, which contrasts sharply with surrounding suburban landscapes, and has been both praised for innovation and critiqued for its imposing scale and, as of 2025, ongoing maintenance and safety concerns.

Overview

Location and development context

Grand Castle is situated in , a of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, at 2655 Grand Castle Blvd near the intersection of and 28th Street (M-11). The 23.6-acre site occupies a prominent location along a retention pond, providing visibility from major highways and facilitating easy access to the broader region. The development emerged in the mid-2010s as a response to increasing housing demand in the Grand Rapids area, where and economic expansion necessitated more high-density residential options. Grandville's city planning efforts emphasized revitalizing underutilized properties to support this growth, transforming the site from a vacant park—previously operational since the mid-20th century—into a modern apartment community. This redevelopment aligned with broader suburban strategies to enhance residential capacity without expanding into undeveloped land, contributing to over 700 new units in Grandville during the period. The surrounding area offers convenient proximity to natural and urban features, including the Grand River, which borders Grandville to the east and provides recreational access via nearby just across the water. in downtown Grand Rapids lies about 10 miles away, reachable in under 15 minutes by car, while local amenities such as shopping districts—including Woodland Mall and Rivertown Crossings—enhance daily livability for residents.

Physical description

The Grand Castle is a 15-story high-rise apartment tower located in , standing nearly 200 feet tall and comprising a total structure of over 1.2 million square feet. The building features 522 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts and multi-level penthouses, with unit sizes varying from approximately 410 square feet for studios to up to 1,789 square feet for larger configurations. Its exterior adopts a modern high-rise form with castle-inspired elements, utilizing panels for a durable, weather-resistant facade that evokes the grandeur of European castles like Neuschwanstein, including stone-like detailing and a prominent entrance area topped by a life-size . The layout centers on a ground-level accommodating 750 vehicles, with residential floors elevated starting from the second level to optimize space and views. A central functions as an atrium-like space, featuring a 20-foot that allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the building and enhances the communal grounds with landscaped elements such as walking paths adjacent to a 28-acre lake. The design supports a resident capacity of up to around 1,000 individuals, reflecting a dense urban living arrangement typical of multi-family high-rises in the region.

History

Planning and design

The Grand Castle project was initiated in June 2015 by developer Roger Lucas of Land & Company, proposing a luxury multi-family residential complex on the 23.6-acre site of the former La Grande Mobile Home Park at 3847 28th Street in . This development aimed to address the growing housing shortage in Kent County, where a 2015 assessment identified a lack of affordable rental options amid rising demand. The initial concept featured a 12-story tower inspired by Germany's , with castle-like turrets and approximately 460 rental units, surrounded by a man-made lake on three sides. Key stakeholders included Grandville city officials, particularly the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as architects from the firm Fugleberg Koch, who handled the design. Community input was gathered through public hearings required for the rezoning process, allowing residents to voice concerns on the project's scale and aesthetics. The design incorporated sustainable elements from the outset, such as energy-efficient precast insulated concrete panels for the structure and LED lighting throughout common areas, to minimize environmental impact and operational costs. Design approvals were secured in July 2015 when the Grandville City Council unanimously approved rezoning the site from park to multi-family residential use, including height variances for the proposed 15-story structure rising nearly 200 feet. Environmental reviews were integrated into the approval to assess impacts on local wetlands and stormwater management near the adjacent 26-acre lake. Following indicating stronger demand, the conceptual plans evolved to expand from 460 to 522 units, enhancing the project's viability while maintaining the castle-themed architecture and amenities like a resort-style pool.

Construction phase

Construction of the Grand Castle apartment complex in , commenced in 2016, featuring a distinctive 15-story tower designed to evoke a medieval aesthetic. The project, developed by local entrepreneur Roger Lucas, involved the 15-story apartment complex totaling 522 units. panels were extensively used for the structural frame and exterior facade to expedite building while achieving the architectural vision. In April 2018, workers installed nearly 18,000 linear feet of these panels, covering 15 floors over the course of approximately two years of active construction. The construction timeline faced significant hurdles, including repeated delays that shifted the anticipated completion from mid-2017 to late 2018. Initial plans targeted an opening in June 2017, but setbacks related to building settling, material procurement, and on-site safety concerns extended the process. In January 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched an investigation into potential violations at the site, citing issues such as inadequate fall protection and structural stability, which further postponed progress. Although specific weather-related disruptions were not publicly detailed, the project's exposure to 's variable climate likely contributed to intermittent slowdowns, while for specialized precast elements added to the complexity. These challenges were largely resolved by mid-2018, allowing interior work, including HVAC during the framing phase, to proceed. The total estimated cost exceeded $50 million, reflecting the ambitious scale and custom materials employed. Key milestones marked the project's advancement, such as the completion of the roof by October 2017 and the of the tower structure around early 2018, though no formal ceremony was reported. Final inspections and were secured in fall 2018, paving the way for full operations. The first residents moved in on November 16, 2018, achieving the targeted late-2018 occupancy amid ongoing refinements to amenities like resort-style pools and fitness centers integrated during the latter stages.

Opening and operations

The Grand Castle apartment complex in , officially opened to its first tenants on November 16, 2018, following the completion of construction and issuance of certificates of occupancy for the initial floors. On opening day, ten residents signed leases and began moving into units on the second and third floors of the 15-story, 522-unit building, marking the transition from construction to active operations. The development, which had faced delays from its original 2017 target, was handed over for leasing with plans to certify additional floors shortly after, aiming for full operational capacity by the end of 2018. The property is managed by Land and Company, with an on-site property manager and maintenance team overseeing daily operations, including lease administration, resident services, and facility upkeep, following the death of its developer Roger Lucas on October 21, 2021. Office hours are set from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sundays, supporting lease terms of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, with short-term options available. As of 2025, rental rates range from $1,010 to $1,145 for studio apartments and $1,920 to $2,255 for three-bedroom units, with utilities such as water, trash removal, and sewer included in the rent. Operational policies emphasize resident convenience, including a pet-friendly approach that allows up to two cats or dogs per unit, subject to a $300 nonrefundable fee for the first pet, $150 for the second, and $25 monthly per pet, along with breed and weight restrictions. The on-site maintenance staff handles repairs and maintenance requests promptly, contributing to the community's ongoing functionality as a luxury residential option in the region.

Architecture and amenities

Design elements

The Grand Castle's architectural style draws inspiration from in , , incorporating a contemporary interpretation of 19th-century Romanesque Revival elements to evoke a fairy-tale castle aesthetic. This design features turret-like towers and arched window openings that nod to medieval fortifications while adapting them for modern multi-family residential use. The project was led by the architecture firm Fugleberg Koch, with principal contributions from Robert A. Koch, AIA. Key materials in the building's construction emphasize durability and efficiency, including over 1,600 precast concrete panels for the facade, which provide a weather-resistant and low-maintenance exterior surface with elevated density for structural integrity. The overall structure incorporates approximately 200 million pounds of concrete and 900 tons of steel, supporting the 15-story tower that rises 198 feet. Interior model units feature standard residential finishes, though specific details like flooring and countertops are not publicly detailed in architectural records. Innovative aspects of the design include the adaptation of panels—typically used for foundations—into vertical wall applications, with custom openings for tilt-in windows to achieve the castle-like appearance while maintaining energy efficiency through superior insulation. This single-source composite approach streamlined fabrication and installation, covering nearly 18,000 linear feet of exterior surfaces. Additionally, modular construction techniques, such as tunnel forms for floors and walls, enabled rapid assembly of the monolithic structure, reducing on-site labor and enhancing . Structurally, the Grand Castle employs a wind-resistant suited to its 15-story height, utilizing the panels attached to each floor via a support system on concrete ledges, combined with reinforcements to handle elevated wind loads in the climate. This invisible bracing from exterior views ensures stability without compromising the aesthetic, contributing to the building's overall resilience.

Resident facilities

Grand Castle provides residents with a variety of community amenities designed to enhance daily living and recreation. Core facilities include an outdoor pool with sundeck for seasonal , a fitness center equipped with cardio machines and free weights for comprehensive workouts, and a clubhouse featuring lounge areas for social gatherings. Outdoor features emphasize natural integration, with access to a private lake offering opportunities for and , alongside walking and biking trails that wind through the 522-unit property. These elements promote an active lifestyle while connecting residents to the surrounding landscape near the Grand River. Inside the units, which range from studios to three-bedroom layouts, residents benefit from practical interiors such as in-unit washers and dryers, appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers, along with modern touches like countertops and high ceilings. Additional services support convenience and community, including an on-site for pet owners, a business center for professional needs, and controlled-access features like elevators ensuring security throughout the complex. On-site maintenance and management are available to address resident concerns promptly.

Reception and legacy

Public and resident feedback

Residents of The Grand Castle have generally provided positive feedback on the modern finishes and convenient location, with the complex earning an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on ApartmentRatings.com based on 152 reviews from 2022 to 2025. Many highlight features such as appliances, countertops, and proximity to areas like RiverTown Crossings Mall, describing the apartments as quiet and well-maintained. On Apartments.com, it holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 25 reviews, praising amenities including the fitness center, pool, and in-unit laundry as key conveniences for daily living. Criticisms have centered on initial operational challenges, including construction-related noise during the late build-out phase in and reports of persistent disturbances like fire alarms and thin walls in early occupancy years. Parking shortages and security issues in the garage, such as malfunctioning facial recognition entry systems, were common complaints in reviews from the first few years, though assigned covered parking is now viewed more favorably. Local media coverage from 2018 to 2020 emphasized the novelty of the castle-inspired design, with features in MLive and WZZM13 portraying it as a unique landmark that drew public curiosity despite its polarizing appearance. A 2018 tour video by 24 Hour News 8 showcased interior amenities and garnered positive viewer comments on the luxury elements, contributing to early buzz. Crain's Grand Rapids Business noted the structure's divisive reception, with some executives labeling it "gaudy" while others appreciated its addition to housing stock. Feedback has evolved positively since 2022, with resident reviews indicating improved satisfaction after addressed concerns, such as upgrading garden areas and stabilizing rent without increases, leading to higher praise for staff responsiveness in recent surveys on review platforms.

Economic and community impact

The of the Grand Castle from 2018 to 2019 generated local jobs in the construction sector, contributing to short-term economic activity in Grandville. Following completion, the development supports ongoing employment in and operations. In terms of housing impact, the addition of 522 market-rate apartment units has directly addressed a persistent regional shortage. According to the 2023 Grandville Master Plan, the development added approximately 500 units, correcting prior underestimates of housing growth (only 197 units added from 2010-2019 per ) and significantly contributing to the city's housing supply. This increase has helped alleviate pressure on the local rental market, providing more options for residents amid broader demand in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. The Grand Castle has also delivered notable community benefits by improving walkability and access to nearby green spaces, such as and Johnson Park. These enhancements have spurred growth in adjacent commercial areas, including the emergence of new cafes and retail outlets along 44th Street, which benefit from increased foot traffic and resident spending. However, the project has not been without controversy, as concerns were voiced during planning meetings, highlighting fears of displacement among lower-income residents. Rents in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area have increased significantly since 2020, with about 12% growth from 2020 to 2022 and annual increases of 3-4% in recent years, exacerbating affordability challenges in the area.

References

  1. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2018/09/a_look_inside_the_sprawling_gr.html
  2. https://www.superiorwalls.com/press-releases/15-story-grand-castle-apartments-built-with-superior-walls-precast-concrete-panels/
  3. https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments/mi/grandville/the-grand-castle-apartment-homes-0/default.aspx
  4. https://www.woodtv.com/eightwest/an-inside-look-at-the-grand-castle/
  5. https://www.apartments.com/the-grand-castle-apartment-homes-grandville-mi/vq9b9ze/
  6. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2021/10/inspirational-builder-behind-the-grand-castle-apartments-dies-at-67.html
  7. https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-grand-castle-grandville
  8. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO0r2MLjqtU/
  9. https://www.grandcastle.com/
  10. https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2015/06/grand_castle_apartment_complex.html
  11. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/grandville/castle-proposed-for-vacant-grandville-mobile-home-park/69-415923281
  12. https://www.fox17online.com/2016/10/13/castle-rises-in-grandville
  13. https://www.hotels.com/ho2426304384/the-grand-castle-apartments-grandville-united-states-of-america/
  14. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g42257-Activities-Grandville_Kent_County_Michigan.html
  15. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/grandville/a-sneak-peek-inside-grand-castle-apartments-in-grandville/69-592711013
  16. https://www.grhousing.org/pdf/gr-consolidated-plan.pdf
  17. https://www.grandcastle.com/amenities
  18. https://www.mlive.com/grandville/2015/07/grandville_leaders_approve_28t.html
  19. https://www.fox17online.com/2015/07/13/grandville-city-commission-voting-on-castle-apartment-complex
  20. https://www.wconline.com/articles/91526-castle-apartments-receive-precast-concrete-panels
  21. https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-castle-apartments-rising-in-grandville/
  22. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2018/11/grand_castle_apartments_opens.html
  23. https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2018/01/state_safety_inspectors_invest.html
  24. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/grandville/grand-castle-apartments-pushes-back-move-in-date/69-485436011
  25. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/stately-quarters-or-royal-mess-polarizing-grand-castle-embodies-developer-s-dream-for-luxury-living/
  26. https://www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/equipment-products/article/12321527/tunnel-forms-build-a-castle
  27. https://www.trulia.com/building/grand-castle-apartments-2655-grand-castle-blvd-grandville-mi-49418-2750811388
  28. https://www.apartmentratings.com/mi/grandville/the-grand-castle-apartment-homes_9199332346275180133/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lu06RDJNOA
  30. https://cms9files.revize.com/grandvillemi/Grandville%20Master%20Plan%20Recommended%20by%20Planning%20Commission%204-12-23.pdf
  31. https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2017/08/grand_castle_builders_pushing.html
  32. https://griid.org/tag/gentrification-in-grand-rapids/
  33. https://www.hemlane.com/resources/michigan-rent-control-laws/
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