A key step just happened in southeast Grand Rapids.

City planners approved the next phase of affordable, for-sale townhomes at the Boston Square Together development. This matters if you care about homeownership access, neighborhood growth, or where the local market is headed.

Here is what you need to know.

The basics

• Location: Adams Street SE, in the Boston Square neighborhood

• Units: 22 to 25 townhomes

• Target buyers: Households earning up to 80 percent of area median income

• Estimated cost: About $11 million

• Timeline: Construction targeted for 2027, first homes as early as 2028

The project is led by Amplify GR in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. Design work is by Pure Architects.

Why this project is different

This is the first for-sale housing within the larger Boston Square Together plan.

Until now, the site focused on mixed-use buildings, community space, and rental housing. These townhomes introduce ownership into the mix.

That matters because:

• Ownership builds long-term stability

• It creates wealth for families who might otherwise be stuck renting

• It anchors neighborhoods instead of cycling residents in and out

Design choices that matter

The updated plan includes several practical changes:

• Zero-step entry units for accessibility

• Street parking instead of garages to allow first-floor living

• Unfinished basements that could later convert to accessory dwelling units

• A relocated public-facing park at Adams and Fuller

The park move is intentional. It shifts green space from internal use to shared community use, similar to Cherry Park in East Hills.

Demand is already there

Even without active marketing, Amplify reports hundreds of inquiries across Boston Square housing phases.

That signals a few things:

• Affordable for-sale homes are extremely scarce

• Buyers are watching these opportunities closely

• Pricing pressure will remain strong in Grand Rapids

What this means for buyers

If you are hoping to buy in the next few years:

• New construction does not always mean luxury pricing

• Income-based opportunities still exist, but they move fast

• Preparation matters more than timing

This is the kind of project where buyers who understand financing early will have an edge.

What this means for the market

Zooming out, this project reflects larger trends:

• Grand Rapids needs more ownership inventory, not just rentals

• Density is increasing in established neighborhoods

• City planning is leaning toward walkability and access

These townhomes will not solve the housing shortage alone, but they move the needle in the right direction.

My take as a Realtor and lender

Projects like this highlight the gap between demand and supply.

They also show why education matters:

• Many buyers assume new homes are out of reach

• Many sellers underestimate how tight inventory still is

• Financing strategy often decides who wins, not just price

If you want to understand how developments like Boston Square fit into your plans, that conversation should happen well before homes hit the market.