[JonathanGRR]

The renovation of the Junior Achievement Building in the heart of downtown was announced. Located at Fuller St (Kent County's East-West dividing line) and Division Ave (the North-South dividing line), the building has been empty for 15 years:

Find out what company is moving into iconic Junior Achievement building in downtown Grand Rapids
By Jim Harger | jharger@mlive.com | January 17, 2013

The architectural firm of TowerPinkster will renovate and move into the second floor of the blonde brick building by late summer, building owner Locus Development announced Thursday, Jan. 17.

The ground floor of the building will be renovated by Locus Development, for yet-to-be-signed retail or restaurant tenants.

The iconic building, with a modernistic rounded corner facing downtown’s historic center, was purchased by Locus from a bank two years ago after a previous developer failed to land a tenant for the 64-year-old building.

TowerPinkster President and CEO Arnold Mikon said they plan to move into the second floor with 25 employees. “We’ll have room for 35 to 40 employees,” he said.

Mikon said TowerPinkster is eager to move into the downtown area, where they have renovated the LEED Gold-certified Kendall College of Art & Design’s Historic Federal Building and the Grand Rapids Civic Theater. The firm also provided architectural and design services for the Kent County Courthouse.

“We are excited to work with Locus to bring new life to another historic building and play a bigger role in the amazing revival of the central city,” Mikon said.

“TowerPinkster is the perfect anchor for this building in the heart of the city,” said John Green, co-owner of Locus.

“Our goal isn’t just to build and restore, but to bring creativity, energy and new jobs to build the downtown community.”

Green said they intend to market the ground floor space for a full-service restaurant or several smaller retail shops. They also hope to lease the basement as an entertainment venue or production studio, he said.

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By Emily Zoladz | ezoladz@mlive.com