Portfolio
The Black Rose Irish Pub
Size: 5,000 sq. ft.
Function: Restaurant
Date Completed: 2003
The Black Rose Irish Pub is located in the heart of the Cherry Street Landing district at 100 Ionia Avenue. The pub features a seating capacity of 260, an outdoor porch with patio seating, and furnishings imported from Ireland.
The Black Rose is owned by Bill Hirt and his two sons, Nick and Oliver Hirt. The Hirt’s have signed a 10-year lease with Rockford Development Group, the owner of the building where The Black Rose is located. Rockford Construction performed a complete restoration of the existing vacant building.
Steketee's Building
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Size: 108,000 sq. ft.
Function: Mixed-use Building
Date Completed: 2004
This eight-story, 108,000-square-foot building has a prominent position in the history of Grand Rapids. Known as the "Steketee's Building", this building served the retail needs of Grand Rapids for many years. With the exit of retailers from the downtown area, this large property sat empty for many years. The building is currently home to anchor tenant, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which made the decision to move from a suburban office environment to become part of the downtown neighborhood. This building is also home to River Bank Books & Music and an Independent Bank branch office. Rockford performed a complete renovation of the eight-story building.
Blue Cross Blue Shield recently received notification that this project has been Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the US Green Building Council.
5 Lyon
Size: 90,000 sq. ft.
Function: Mixed-use
Date Completed: 2004
5 Lyon, formerly known as the Commerce Building, was purchased in 2003 and renovations began designating the top two floors as housing for Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design students. The exterior facade, lobby, entrance, and infrastructure, including the elevators, electrical, and mechanical systems were upgraded.