The South Haven City Council has given its stamp of approval to the concept design for Phase 1 of a new housing development planned at the former Overton property.
The city for years has sought a new development for the site at 229 Elkenburg, and the current proposal is from Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids Nonprofit Housing Corporation. It’s seeking to build a three-story, 40,000 square foot, 53-unit apartment building.
Dwelling Place land acquisition analyst Matt Szuminski told council Monday after some public input sessions, the latest concept includes some changes, including to the building’s color and roof.
“When we were doing community engagement, those were two things that people felt very strongly about was the roofs and the colors of the buildings,” Szuminski said. “We do think that putting a flat roof there instead of a pitched roof does really enhance the building’s features more, and it also isn’t as tall.”
Szuminski said the roof will be a “living roof,” with vegetation to make the project more environmentally friendly.
The Dwelling Place is planning to apply for state low-income housing credits to make the project possible, and he said the firm is doing everything it can to improve its chances of being approved. However, Szuminski did warn the application process is extremely competitive. The deadline to apply is in April, and in the meantime, the Dwelling Place will seek a Planning Commission review to check more boxes.
The council unanimously approved the concept for the development.
