back
JUNE 30, 2015

First phase of construction complete at 25 Ottawa

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), local professional construction firm, announces the completion of phase one renovations at 25 Ottawa in downtown Grand Rapids.

Owned and operated by Franklin Partners, LLC, the six-story office and retail building underwent a $3.5 million Class-A transformation to the exterior façade, lobby and shared tenant areas. The building is located next door to Van Andel Arena. All high-end finishes and upgrades were designed to heighten the original architectural style, showcasing the timber-frame construction and exposed interior structure.

“This project is another great example of the transformation of downtown Grand Rapids. Franklin Partners continues to reinvent and recreate spaces the way we typically only see in much larger cities. It’s exciting to be part of the process; taking their innovative visions and helping to make them realities.” commented Frank Stanek, O-A-K President & CEO.

Phase one scope included:

Exterior • New glass panel storefront with metal framing and honed-marble along first floor • Up-lit façade cornice display • 50-foot-tall glass and steel marquee surrounding the new Ottawa Avenue entrance, installed on a canted angle, extending outward and upward • New outdoor floor deck over the skywalk, as part of a newly improved tenant space • Restoration of fifth-floor windows to original size

Entryway and lobby • Demolition of existing lobby ceiling and stairwell (adjacent to former bar / restaurant space) to create a welcoming two-story atrium • Installation of a chandelier sculpture by electrical contractor, Feyen Zylstra. The fixture consists of 180 individual steel cables, each housing four LED down lights that illuminate suspended glass beads. • Radius back-painted glass wall separating the new lobby from future tenant space • LED back-lit aluminum feature walls on the first and third floors, showcasing the new “25 Ottawa” branding

Tenant improvements • Conversion of former storage space into state-of-the-art fitness center • Lower-level business and technology center that can accommodate up to 30 people for flexible meetings • Revamped skywalk connecting the building to Van Andel Arena with large format (50”x30”) porcelain floor tiles, lighting and reconfigured walls • Several repurposed spaces and re-used materials (former bank vault was converted to a towel room, many original Chicago common bricks were removed from interior walls and re-installed into new walls) • White box finishes in the potential restaurant area, with more intimate layout

Upcoming work • Streetscape improvements are set to begin in July, including brick pavers, planters, benches and bike racks • Brick restoration on the north and west sides of the building • Office and retail build-outs will be announced as tenants are secured

Construction began in August 2014. Wright Heerema Architects (Chicago, IL) and Concept Design Group (Grand Rapids, MI) provided design services. For more information about 25 Ottawa and Franklin Partners, LLC, visit http://franklinpartners.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Partners-LLC/425844014139881

In Other News

01 Paw Paw v2 00 01 06 18 Still011

Paw Paw Public School District Early…

Paw Paw Public School District Early Childhood Center Update

Did you know? The classrooms at Paw Paw Public School…
Harrison Chase

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Names Charles “Chase”…

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Names Charles “Chase” Harrison Project Manager

Owen Ames Kimball Company (O A K), a preeminent general…
01 GRR Museum v2 00 01 00 17 Still010

Engineering Day at the Grand Rapids…

Engineering Day at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Video

Grand Rapids Public Museum recently held an Engineering Day…
Steve Mc Caskey Recognition

Steve McCaskey Receives Certificate of…

Steve McCaskey Receives Certificate of Appreciation from Allegan Area ESA Board of Education

At O‑A‑K, we believe that “building the best experience”…
IMG 3767

Grand Rapids Public Museum Engineering…

Grand Rapids Public Museum Engineering Day

O‑A‑K is currently partnered with Grand Rapids Public…
001 thr 5518 twilight

Pikes Peak School Entry Addition

Pikes Peak School Entry Addition

Completed in 2023, this 1,300 sf addition to the school…
Bryce Juan Jr V3 00 01 00 00 Still007

Preconstruction Efforts with O‑A‑K…

Preconstruction Efforts with O‑A‑K Project Managers

Curious about what goes on before construction starts?…
01 Zeeland East West HS Final v1 00 01 15 16 Still021

Zeeland East and West High School…

Zeeland East and West High School Athletic Updates

Join athletic directors Josh Glerum and Jordan Bandstra on…
01 Final v1 00 01 22 04 Still010

Godfrey Lee Public Schools Lee High…

Godfrey Lee Public Schools Lee High School Restoration and Expansion

Following a structural failure in 2019, Godfrey-Lee Public…
02 Final v1 00 00 13 18 Still002

Kalamazoo College Campus Electrical…

Kalamazoo College Campus Electrical Upgrades

Kalamazoo College is modernizing its' electrical system,…