616 Lofts on Monroe sneak preview

616 Development's Lofts on Monroe project sketch.

(Courtesy)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The company behind several popular Grand Rapids restaurants is building a new establishment in the city's North Monroe district.

Essence Restaurant Group announced this week its intention to build its fourth restaurant at 816 Monroe Ave. NW, in a 5,200-square-foot building under construction at the 616 Lofts on Monroe residential development project.

Essence properties in Grand Rapids include The Green Well and Grove restaurants on Cherry Street SE and Bistro Bella Vita downtown next to Van Andel Arena.

Essence did not disclose a specific name, concept or menu for the new restaurant.

"With the community focus on increasing access to the Grand River as well as improving connectivity from Belknap to the Grand River, this development and restaurant will be an asset for the corridor," said Monica Steimle of 616 Development, the lofts project developer.

616 Development's $22 million project will transform the former Sackner Products factory at 820 Monroe Ave. NW into an 85-unit rental housing development with retail and commercial uses on the ground floor.

The development is located across the street from the Canal Street Park. The old factory once employed dozens of workers who made raw materials and components used to make upholstered furniture and automotive seats.

Garret Ellison covers business, government and environment for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at gellison@mlive.com or follow on Twitter & Instagram