Planning Commission approves ground‑floor office for Array of Engineers at 45 S. Division
February 13, 2026 | Grand Rapids City, Kent County, Michigan
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The Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Feb. 12 approved a special land‑use and site‑plan request allowing Array of Engineers to locate a ground‑floor office at 45 South Division Avenue.
City planner Avery told the commission the property sits in the TNCC zone and the Hartside Historic District and that the combined building area is roughly 10,614 square feet. "The Ground Floor office use requires special land use approval," Avery said, noting exterior updates such as signage and a proposed mural will need Historic Preservation Commission review.
Hannah Greening, founder and managing broker of Fancy Real Estate, representing the applicant, said the move would help reactivate vacant downtown storefronts. "Array of Engineers will serve and support, the burgeoning tech hub in this area as well," she said, adding the company expects "30 to 45 high‑wage employees" and plans weekly community and STEM events.
Supporters who spoke during public comment included Doug Todd of Lacuna Commercial Advisors, who represents the building owner, and Jen Wangler, vice president of technology at The Right Place, who highlighted workforce development ties. Commissioners discussed the GR Forward plan’s distinction between targeted retail and active commercial corridors but concluded the special land‑use review permits appropriate evaluation of ground‑floor office uses in areas like this.
A motion to approve the special land use and site plan review passed unanimously with standard conditions and additional limitations including transparency requirements for ground‑floor window treatments and restriction of the two rear decks to office use only. The resolution specifies that signs will require separate permitting and that the approval takes effect 16 calendar days after the commission’s decision.
Next steps: applicants must obtain required building and land‑use permits and secure a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior alterations.
City planner Avery told the commission the property sits in the TNCC zone and the Hartside Historic District and that the combined building area is roughly 10,614 square feet. "The Ground Floor office use requires special land use approval," Avery said, noting exterior updates such as signage and a proposed mural will need Historic Preservation Commission review.
Hannah Greening, founder and managing broker of Fancy Real Estate, representing the applicant, said the move would help reactivate vacant downtown storefronts. "Array of Engineers will serve and support, the burgeoning tech hub in this area as well," she said, adding the company expects "30 to 45 high‑wage employees" and plans weekly community and STEM events.
Supporters who spoke during public comment included Doug Todd of Lacuna Commercial Advisors, who represents the building owner, and Jen Wangler, vice president of technology at The Right Place, who highlighted workforce development ties. Commissioners discussed the GR Forward plan’s distinction between targeted retail and active commercial corridors but concluded the special land‑use review permits appropriate evaluation of ground‑floor office uses in areas like this.
A motion to approve the special land use and site plan review passed unanimously with standard conditions and additional limitations including transparency requirements for ground‑floor window treatments and restriction of the two rear decks to office use only. The resolution specifies that signs will require separate permitting and that the approval takes effect 16 calendar days after the commission’s decision.
Next steps: applicants must obtain required building and land‑use permits and secure a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior alterations.
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