190 mixed-income housing units being developed in Holland

Aug 22

Located on nearly 24 acres at 275 E. Lakewood Blvd. in Holland, Lakewood Place Apartment Village has broken ground. The 190-unit project, led by Geerlings Development Company and KJK Real Estate Management, is one of the largest mixed-income housing developments in the area. This $40 million venture will be completed in phases between April 2025 and 2026.

The development will feature affordable and market-rate apartments alongside 10,000 square feet of commercial space, creating a community where residents can live, work, and thrive.

“We recognized this location as a prime opportunity to craft a vibrant, close-knit neighborhood that seamlessly blends convenience with a strong sense of community,” said Scott Geerlings, President, Geerlings Development Company. “By incorporating commercial spaces specifically designed to attract and support local businesses, we’re not just enhancing the area’s appeal, but we’re also fostering an environment where residents and businesses can thrive together.”

The project embodies the long-term vision of its developers, who have successfully navigated its challenges with strategic guidance from Housing Next, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring communities have sufficient housing across all price points.

Lakewood Place Apartment Village is just over 2 miles from downtown Holland and about 6 miles from Holland State Park. The development will feature bike paths that provide easy access to these areas, while nearby retail corridors further enhance convenience for residents.

“The architectural diversity of this project is truly special—each building is distinct, with high-quality finishes that seamlessly blend modern design with functionality. We’ve applied modern design standards to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Our goal was to optimize space through contemporary design and effective lighting, ensuring these apartments offer exceptional value without compromising on quality,” said Kevin Kammeraad, President of KJK Real Estate Management.

Lakewood Place Apartment Village is designed to promote a lifestyle of connectivity and social engagement. Residents will have access to various amenities, including a clubhouse, pickleball courts, a dog park, and garden spaces, all surrounding a communal square that encourages social gatherings. The development will also feature enhanced community connectivity in collaboration with the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and the Outdoor Discovery Center.

“We’re committed to making Lakewood Place Apartment Village not just a place to live, but a true asset to the community,” Geerlings added. “That’s why we’re planning to integrate a bike path that will connect residents to surrounding areas, enhancing mobility and outdoor recreation. Additionally, we’re considering donating a portion of the land to Holland Township to develop an active park, creating a shared space that everyone in the community can enjoy and benefit from.”

The project faced numerous hurdles, from complex zoning regulations to dramatically rising housing costs and astronomical interest rate increases.

“Doing housing today is incredibly complex,” said Michael Corby, President, Integrated Architecture, the firm that designed the project. “It takes everyone’s contribution—whether it’s the municipalities being flexible with zoning, MSHDA providing incentives, or the design and construction teams working together to make projects viable. This project was particularly challenging due to the need to consolidate different parcels with varying zoning into one cohesive plan, which required close collaboration with the township and local residents.”