GRAND RAPIDS, MI - New renderings of what would be the tallest building in Grand Rapids put the proposed tower at 10 Ionia Ave. NW in the context of the city's existing skyline, in advance of continued deliberations by the Historic Preservation Commission.

So how tall is 420 feet?

About four times the height of the neighboring historic building at 50 Louis Ave. SW.

Nearly three times as high as the UICA building across Fulton Street. And more than double the height of the First Community Bank building a bit north on Ionia Avenue.

Portage-based Hinman Co. is proposing a 40-story building with 120-140 hotel rooms on the first 10 floors and 255 market-rate apartments on upper floors. At its proposed height, the building would eclipse River House Condominiums as the tallest in Grand Rapids.

40 stories of 'awesome' gets support from preservation board

The city board in July signed off on the building's height, but wants more detail on its design. The vacant property on Fulton east of Van Andel Arena is part of the Heartside historic district that's entirely south of Fulton, except for 10 Ionia and 50 Louis.

The Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to review plans again at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the city's Development Center, 1120 Monroe Ave. NW.



See Grand Rapids' tallest buildings