Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Water Damage Restoration in Grand Rapids, MI
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Ferris State University Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Grand Rapids, MI is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Grand Rapids. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for MrMrs SLOTZ
Mold Remediation for Tracy Farah
Sewer Backup for Kiran Tamang
Soot Removal for Laina Moore
Water Damage for Kim Sorrelle
Fire Damage for Gregory Reinstein
Mold Remediation for Goldie Johnson
Sewer Backup for Linda Trier
Soot Removal for Amy Rakowski
Water Damage for Derek Anderson
Fire Damage for Mike Beaulieu
Mold Remediation for Kelli Erb
Sewer Backup for Eric Kolenda
Soot Removal for Erin Lammers
Water Damage for Diane Boerstler-Henderson
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Grand Rapids.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Ryan Penny's
Disaster Response
Disaster Response Introducing Disaster Response: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**
At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( Disaster Response ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( Disaster Response ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.
From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( Disaster Response ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( Disaster Response ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.
When you choose Disaster 911 and ( Disaster Response ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.
3707 Northridge Dr Nw, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Call Us
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Grand Rapids, MI
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Provision Living at Forest Hills in Grand Rapids for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Grand Rapids, MI, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Grand Rapids?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Grand Rapids, MI, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Grand Rapids restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Grand Rapids, MI, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Grand Rapids, MI
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Grand Rapids, MI, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Margaux in Grand Rapids. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Grand Rapids rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Grand Rapids, MI
Veterans Day 2024: See businesses offering free meals or deals in West Michigan
Ehren Wynderhttps://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2024/11/veterans-day-2024-see-businesses-offering-free-meals-or-deals-in-west-michigan.html
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - This Veterans Day, West Michigan’s local and mom-and-pop eateries are proudly serving those who served.This year, Veterans Day, Nov. 11, falls on a Monday. The federal holiday honors people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to free and discounted meals, those who served in the military will also see deals for activities like virtual golf and at local bars.The day originally began as Armistice Day in 1919 and marked the anniversary of the end of World War I, marking the 11th hour of t...
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - This Veterans Day, West Michigan’s local and mom-and-pop eateries are proudly serving those who served.
This year, Veterans Day, Nov. 11, falls on a Monday. The federal holiday honors people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to free and discounted meals, those who served in the military will also see deals for activities like virtual golf and at local bars.
The day originally began as Armistice Day in 1919 and marked the anniversary of the end of World War I, marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when fighting officially ceased.
Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. The holiday is another opportunity to celebrate and honor those who have served and continue to serve our country. More than a dozen businesses in West Michigan are offering veterans free or discounted meals and other deals.
RELATED: McDonald’s giving away breakfast to current, former military members on Veterans Day
The following is a list of known local and family-owned businesses in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties that are offering deals for veterans and active duty service members this Veterans Day. Some places will require proof of service, such as a military ID. Most deals are dine-in only and do not include tax or gratuity.
Veterans and active duty members can get a free Traditionalist breakfast, which includes two eggs, potatoes, toast and choice of meat, at all Anna’s House locations. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Veterans with a military ID receive a free meal from 4-9 p.m. at Bear Lake Tavern, 360 Ruddiman Dr., North Muskegon.
Veterans and current service members who dine in at Beechwood Grill, 380 Douglas Ave. in Holland, can get any sandwich and side up to $16 for free.
Veterans and current service members can get any pizza or flatbread, excluding the Works Pizza, for free at Big Lake Brewing, 13 W Seventh St., Holland.
Veterans and current service members can get a free 6oz. Sizzler Steak & Baked Potato at any Brann’s Steakhouse location.
No substitutions. Dine-in only.
Crazy Horse Steakhouse & Saloon
Veterans get half-off any meal at crazy Horse Steakhouse at 2027 North Park Dr. in Holland.
The Good Earth Café at 159 S. River Ave., Suite 240 in Holland is giving veterans and current service members 15% off their entire order.
Veterans can get any food item valued at $29 or less for free, at all Redwater restaurants, including:
Redwater also is giving veterans and active duty receive a free half-hour golf simulator rental at any LiveGolf Studios location.
All HopCat restaurants are offering veterans and current service members a free dine-in meal and soft drink.
Hops at 84 East in Holland is giving veterans 15% off all food orders.
Veterans and current service members who visit Stella’s Lounge, 53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, can get a free meal and soft drink.
Veterans, active duty and reserve members who visit the Unicorn Tavern, 415 South Beechtree Street in Grand Haven, can either get a free Burger and Frites meal -- a $13.50 value -- or get $13.50 off a different food order.
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.
Automated pizza kiosk chain plans 40 new Michigan locations
Abby Poirierhttps://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/automated-pizza-kiosk-chain-plans-40-new-michigan-locations/
A company that sells pizzas from automated kiosks recently opened a new location at an Amazon Distribution Center near Grand Rapids as part of an expansion plan to develop 40 more units across Michigan in the next two years.The two PizzaForno kiosks at 4500 68th St. SE in Gaines Township mark an inflection point in the company’s growth plans, said Jason Lowder, the Michigan licensee and chief marketing officer for the brandLowder, who is leading Toronto-based PizzaForno’s expansion in the state, is eyeing industrial...
A company that sells pizzas from automated kiosks recently opened a new location at an Amazon Distribution Center near Grand Rapids as part of an expansion plan to develop 40 more units across Michigan in the next two years.
The two PizzaForno kiosks at 4500 68th St. SE in Gaines Township mark an inflection point in the company’s growth plans, said Jason Lowder, the Michigan licensee and chief marketing officer for the brand
Lowder, who is leading Toronto-based PizzaForno’s expansion in the state, is eyeing industrial facilities around the state, as well as hospitals and colleges, for the automated kiosks, which produce hot pizzas 24/7 at the push of a button. PizzaForno is designed to fill a gap for customers needing food at hours when other restaurants might be closed.
“People are needing that 24-hour service and that convenience of service,” Lowder said. “When there’s three shifts working, (businesses) need to be able to offer a hot food service available right on location. Sometimes the third party delivery services take too long, and sometimes those options aren’t available for the third shift.”
Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today.
Currently, PizzaForno operates five kiosks in the state of Michigan, including single units at Mott College in Flint,a Sunoco gas station in Clarkston, Oakland Mall in Troy and two West Michigan units at an Amazon fulfillment center in Caledonia.
Lowder plans to open 10 more units around the state next year and 30 more by 2026, focusing on food deserts, college campuses and warehouses.
The expansion comes just a handful of years after the brand landed in Jackson, its first U.S. location that opened in 2021.
Les Tomlin, co-founder and president of PizzaForno, said the company wants to partner with gas station chains, large-scale distributors like Amazon and other locations to capture non-conventional workers in need of a hot meal.
Each PizzaForno kiosk takes up roughly 50-80 square feet of space and holds 70 12-inch pizzas that are baked on-demand after a customer places an order from the company’s app or a touchscreen on the unit.
After the kiosk receives an order, a robotic arm retrieves the selection, which is stored in a refrigerated section, and moves it into a convection oven where it is baked inside its box. After the baking is complete, the pizza is ejected from a slot at the front of the machine for the customer.
To ensure pizzas stay fresh, they’re given a three-day shelf life within the PizzaForno kiosk, and are taken off the menu and replaced after their expiration date has passed.
For the sake of cleanliness, pizzas remain within their boxes during storage and baking, and do not touch the inside of the machine at any point in the baking, loading or serving process.
PizzaForno kiosks offer customers six menu options, including vegetarian, meat lovers, four cheese, BBQ chicken, pepperoni and a breakfast option with egg and bacon toppings.
Pizzas start at $9.99 for a basic cheese pizza and rise from there, with some price fluctuation by state.
PizzaForno operates both outdoor and indoor kiosks, as well as built-in ATM-style units operated by licensees, who are responsible for cleaning, stocking and maintaining them.
To maintain product quality and flavor, all PizzaForno pizzas are made at a food processor in Chicago before being distributed to individual units.
Thanks to its relatively small footprint, ease of operation, lack of human labor and infrastructure needs, PizzaForno offers a solution to many issues plaguing traditional quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, Tomlin said.
“The challenges faced by any QSR operator right now are all things we solved,” he said. “I think you’re going to see a lot of PizzaForno all over North America. There really are very few places where PizzaForno cannot go.”
PizzaForno currently operates more than 60 units in Canada, Mexico and 11 U.S. states, where the brand has development deals that range from 10 to 30 units, Tomlin said.
As well, PizzaForno is embarking on its first equity raise, having bootstrapped the company up until this point, according to Tomlin.
He said the greatest challenge for the growth of the brand has proven to be convincing customers to trust a “vending machine” pizza.
“In North America, we’re used to getting a dry ham sandwich out of a vending machine on white bread that’s been in there for six days,” he said. “To get a fresh baked, high quality pizza from a machine is just so foreign to us that it’s a whole new concept.”
Lowder sees the company’s success in Michigan as a sign of the quality of PizzaForno’s product.
“Michigan is maybe the untapped pizza capital of the world,” he said. “So many (pizza) brands are based out of this marketplace. I think consumers know good products when they see them.”
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Contractors demand $6M for work on seating manufacturer’s relocation
Grand Rapids tech startup that connects artists and venues eyes $1M raise
Outdoor retailer Sierra continues Michigan expansion with new lakeshore store
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School vs. West Catholic High School Football Live Stream, TV Info - Friday, November 8
Data Skrivehttps://www.bigrapidsnews.com/sports/watching-games/article/grand-rapids-cc-vs-west-catholic-how-to-watch-live-19895350.php
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School plays at West Catholic High School on Friday, November 8 at 6:40 p.m. ET.Get full access to live regular season and postseason sporting events and get 45% off compared to a monthly pass ...
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School plays at West Catholic High School on Friday, November 8 at 6:40 p.m. ET.
Get full access to live regular season and postseason sporting events and get 45% off compared to a monthly pass with an NFHS Network annual pass.
Grand Rapids CC vs. West Catholic Game Information
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Game information reflects the most current available data from NFHS. To see how NFHS collects their information, click here.
Follow high school football this season on the NFHS Network. Keep tabs on your family or alma mater and tune in.
Other Kent County Games This Week
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
More News
Anderson scores seven touchdowns, Evart rolls past Bobcats
Coyotes beat Tri County, clinch share of CSAA title
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Nov 6, 2024|Updated Nov 8, 2024 12:30 p.m.
Sports & entertainment content
Data Skrive is a technology company that takes human-written and -edited content, and then uses AI to assemble it into original sports and entertainment articles that answer common reader questions such as how to watch a sporting event or TV series.
Outdoor retailer Sierra continues Michigan expansion with new lakeshore store
Abby Poirierhttps://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/retail/outdoor-retailer-sierra-continues-michigan-expansion-with-new-lakeshore-store/
Off-price athletic and outdoor retailer Sierra will open its seventh Michigan store on Nov. 16 as the brand continues to expand nationally.The new Sierra store at 5363 Harvey St. in Norton Shores will sell gear, apparel and accessories for activities ranging from camping and fishing to cycling and pickleball.The 20,000-square-foot retail location will take the place of a Toys R Us store, which closed in 2018.The new store will join locations in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Novi and follows the opening...
Off-price athletic and outdoor retailer Sierra will open its seventh Michigan store on Nov. 16 as the brand continues to expand nationally.
The new Sierra store at 5363 Harvey St. in Norton Shores will sell gear, apparel and accessories for activities ranging from camping and fishing to cycling and pickleball.
The 20,000-square-foot retail location will take the place of a Toys R Us store, which closed in 2018.
The new store will join locations in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Novi and follows the opening of a new 19,000-square-foot store in Holland last month.
Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today.
“Michigan is well-acquainted with the Sierra experience, so we’re excited to open our newest location in the Norton Shores community,” Caitlin Kobelski, vice president and Sierra marketing director, said in a statement. “At Sierra, our goal is to equip shoppers with the top brand apparel, footwear and gear they need to participate in the day-to-day activities that make them happiest.”
The Sierra brand is part of TJX Companies Inc., whose portfolio includes TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods.
By buying overstock and closeout merchandise, Sierra sells more than 300 recognizable brands at 20% to 60% below full-price retailers.
The Norton Shores store is the latest in a string of new openings for the Sierra brand, which is set to open 26 locations in 2024, according to a recent report by trade publication Outdoor Retailer.
Sierra added 17 new locations during its previous fiscal year that ended Feb. 3. The brand currently operates 112 stores.
TJX Companies acquired the former Sierra Trading Post for $200 million in 2012, when the retailer operated mainly through e-commerce and four outlet stores. At the time of the deal, Sierra generated more than $200 million in annual revenue.
Under the ownership of TJX Companies, Sierra is part of its MarMaxx division that also includes TJ Maxx and Marshalls that generated nearly $8.45 billion in revenue in the company’s most recent quarter, a year-over-year increase of 7%.
Outdoor Retailer estimated Sierra’s annual sales at between $800 million to a little over $1 billion.
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
RCP Marketing sells to longtime executive
Defense contractors face new federal cybersecurity requirements — or risk losing work
Nonprofits land nearly $1M from state to advance Grand Rapids tiny homes project
Rachel Watsonhttps://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/nonprofits-land-nearly-1m-from-state-to-advance-grand-rapids-tiny-homes-project/
A pair of Grand Rapids nonprofits that provide shelter and job training services will soon begin building a long-awaited tiny homes project geared toward formerly homeless individuals after securing a nearly $1 million state grant.Grand Rapids-based Mel Trotter Ministries and its subsidiary Next Step of West Michigan will begin pouring concrete foundations within the next couple of weeks for a 16-unit tiny homes project. The homes are part of the ...
A pair of Grand Rapids nonprofits that provide shelter and job training services will soon begin building a long-awaited tiny homes project geared toward formerly homeless individuals after securing a nearly $1 million state grant.
Grand Rapids-based Mel Trotter Ministries and its subsidiary Next Step of West Michigan will begin pouring concrete foundations within the next couple of weeks for a 16-unit tiny homes project. The homes are part of the Hope Village project on a 1.65-acre site at 101, 119 and 135 Garden St. SE in Grand Rapids.
Mel Trotter, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness, acquired Next Step in 2020. The faith-based nonprofit offers workforce training and job opportunities in construction, manufacturing and municipal cleanup to people who struggle to find work and stable housing, including those who have faced incarceration or addiction. Next Step operates a wood shop across the street from the Hope Village site at 100 Garden St. SE.
Though the nonprofits won city rezoning approval for Hope Village more than two years ago, the tiny homes portion of the project was delayed by fundraising hurdles. After recently securing a $944,000 MI Neighborhood grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the project team will begin construction on the first tiny homes this fall, with a goal of completing eight next year and the rest by 2026. They hope to have two model units ready to show by spring 2025.
“This grant was significant to the whole project,” Mel Trotter Chief Strategy Officer Michele McIsaac said of the MSHDA award. “It helped us leverage private funding, and it also has opened the doors to several other pending funding opportunities.”
Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today.
Mel Trotter has about $1 million left to raise toward the $2.8 million budget for the tiny homes, McIsaac said. So far, about 82 individual donors and foundations have contributed through the nonprofit’s Immeasurably More 2023 capital campaign.
“Finding creative, innovative, affordable housing options, and everyone coming together to make it happen, including MSHDA … is a remarkable feat and speaks to us as a community and a state,” McIsaac said.
The MSHDA grant, which will go toward the first eight units, will require the nonprofits to set aside two of those eight units for people making 60% or less of area median income and six for people making 120% or less of AMI.
Mel Trotter also is applying for 10 project-based vouchers from the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, according to Mel Trotter CFO Gordon Oosting, who was serving as the organization’s interim CEO until last week. New CEO Chris Palusky took the reins on Monday.
Oosting said pending receipt of vouchers, the project team hopes to be able to set rents for those 10 units at about $400 per month. The rest are expected to rent for about $1,100 apiece. Average rent prices in West Michigan are currently about $1,286 a month per apartment unit in market-rate properties with 25 or more units, according to a Colliers West Michigan third-quarter 2024 market report.
The tiny homes will be targeted for people who have gone through Next Steps’ training program or who have been homeless in the past three years, Oosting said. People who have completed a Mel Trotter workforce training program also will be eligible.
Of the 16 tiny homes, 12 will comprise 400 square feet, and four will be 530 square feet, up from the initially planned sizes of 200 to 480 square feet. The homes will be stick-built indoors at Next Step’s wood products manufacturing facility across the street.
“We’re going to build the walls, the roofs, as much as possible inside of the Next Step building, and then in the spring, just be able to take (them) across the street and construct them very, very rapidly,” Oosting said.
The tiny homes are part of a broader $6.8 million project that includes converting the more than 15,000-square-foot former Kindel Furniture building on the site into a mixed-use facility that will house Next Step’s job skills training program and offices on the ground floor and 10 workforce apartments for people transitioning from homelessness on the second floor. The first floor also will have tenant laundry facilities.
The $4 million mixed-use facility portion of the project is almost completed, Oosting said.
“We have the training center up and running, and we have high school training classes in there right now and adult training classes,” he said. “There’s a community room that still has to be completed — it’s just white box right now. We just started on that this week, and that will hopefully be done before the end of the year.”
McIsaac and Joe Botting, director of grants and finance at Mel Trotter, said this project will be Grand Rapids’ first tiny home community, but hopefully not its last. They are hopeful the lessons they’ve learned can help other organizations tackle similar models.
“This isn’t the magic pill that’s going to make housing easy to build and affordable to all of us, however, it’s a beginning,” McIsaac said.
They added that Mel Trotter is pursuing additional housing development. The nonprofit is in the process of applying for additional MI Neighborhood funding as it explores building a four-unit townhouse on additional vacant property it owns at 1116 Ionia Ave. SW.
More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:
Independent Bank buys downtown building from DeVos family for $2.3M
West Michigan attorney sues Elon Musk for fraud over $1M election sweepstakes
130-year-old food packaging, equipment producer sells to New York private equity firm
Disclaimer:
