Wyoming, Michigan, Dec. 2, 2022 – Kent County has invested $6 million of American Rescue Plan Act, or APRA, funding in the City of Wyoming to begin Phase I of its City Center Project - a multi-phased public infrastructure project including two pedestrian bridges, miles of non-motorized trails and a reimagined downtown on 28th Street.
The County’s investment will allow the City to break ground in the spring on its first pedestrian bridge which will span 28th Street near 28 West Place. The bridge will serve as the western entryway to the City’s future downtown center and provide a direct connection between the City Center and Pinery Park.
Phase I also includes 3.1 miles of new non-motorized trails that will link the City’s trail system with Kent Trails – Kent Trails connects the Cities of Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker, Wyoming and Byron Township.
“The investment from Kent County is the culmination of years of hard work to create a revitalized downtown area for the City of Wyoming on 28th Street,” said City Manager Curtis Holt. “Seeing Phase I of this project come to fruition is a success for our community and we are deeply grateful to our county commissioners for putting a spotlight on infrastructure projects such as this.”
“This project will be transformative for the City of Wyoming by creating a vibrant pedestrian experience for the area.”
The pedestrian bridge and non-motorized trail investments are part of a comprehensive approach to provide increased access between emerging employment centers, city parks and facilities and new housing opportunities. This equitable approach will also reduce dependence on vehicles, especially in underserved and housing cost burdened neighborhoods.
The expanded trail network will promote improved health by offering safe, high-quality trails connecting parks, recreational amenities, healthy food options, revitalized public spaces and a county-wide trail network. This project also facilitates the safe crossing of M-11, which is known locally as 28th Street and is a state trunkline highway.
“We are thrilled to begin Phase I of the City Center project on the historic 28th Street corridor,” said Community and Economic Development Director Nicole Hofert. “The City Center project will provide spaces and trails that invite Wyoming residents and community members to enjoy natural amenities in an urban context while also providing access to living and working spaces.”
“Through ongoing collaboration between the City and private investors, we have been able to establish a community vision for how we can make the 28th Street corridor more livable and accessible.”
The City Center project is a multi-phased, public-private development that includes public investment in non-motorized infrastructure and private investment in a mixed-use development. The public investment for both phases will provide two new pedestrian bridges, 4.6 total miles of new trails with connections to City parks and civic space.
The private development will offer workforce housing, market rate housing, Class A commercial space and office space. The economic benefits, both increases in property values and job creation, will contribute more than $140 million in benefits over the next five years. This investment in Wyoming will have a transformative impact on the City, its residents, businesses and visitors.
The City of Wyoming has committed $10 million of its own ARPA funds to the City Center Project and has already invested approximately $45 million in property acquisitions and building infrastructure improvements related to the project. Magnus Capital, a partnering private developer has invested $62.9 million into the property directly adjacent to the future City Center site.
The City’s master plan was adopted in 2021 following robust public engagement. The adopted plan includes an updated 28th Street sub area plan with recommendations for the City Center project.