Dillon Davis

Battle Creek Enquirer

A construction crew at Battle Creek's Heritage Tower drew onlookers Monday as it installed new cell phone equipment on the roof.

Workers stood along West Jackson Street Monday as a crane lifted equipment and personnel to the roof of the 19-story structure at 25 W. Michigan Ave.

Mark Harmsen, 616 Development director of real estate, said in a text message to the Enquirer that Sprint, which maintains a tower within the building, was installing new equipment on the roof.

Sprint confirmed the addition to the building, saying it's part of an effort to enhance network speeds in the area.

"Our network team in West Michigan confirmed that we’re adding 2.5 GHz to this site as part of our ongoing initiative to improve network service in market," Roni Singleton, a public relations and community affairs representative, said in an email. "2.5 provides really fast speeds."

It was one of the first outward signs of movement at Heritage Tower of 2017, drawing onlookers on Michigan Avenue, West Jackson Street and Capital Avenue Southwest. The project is in its fourth year of a redevelopment process by 25 Michigan Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Grand Rapids-based 616 Development.

Last month, Harmsen told the Enquirer the company anticipates an 18-month construction process at the tower, which includes clearing out hazardous materials and converting it to a mixed-use property with at least 87 apartments, commercial space and parking. He said the company could start construction at the site as early as spring 2017.

The project has been delayed multiple times since 616 purchased the property in 2013. The developer has grappled with financing concerns — searching out proper funding and tax credits — to complete the project and close an estimated $14 million value gap at the property.

It also has dealt with local perception issues in recent years, even whiting out windows on Michigan Avenue windows to screen debris ahead of the redevelopment.

The anticipated total cost of the project is $29 million.

Contact Dillon Davis at 269-966-0698 or dwdavis@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DillonDavis