New community is reserved for residents with household incomes up to 80% of the area median income and for renters exiting homelessness.
Cherry Health and Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. (Woda Cooper) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for Shea Ravines, a new 56-unit affordable housing community with 20 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. Shea Ravines is located at 2929 Burlingame Avenue SW, Wyoming, Michigan, adjacent to Cherry Health’s Wyoming Community Health Center.
Shea Ravines will be a LEED-certified, energy-efficient four-story building with an elevator. It will offer 40 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments for singles, families, and seniors who earn up to 80% of the area’s median income. The 20 PSH units reserved for renters exiting homelessness are supported by rental assistance provided by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission. Nonprofit services provider Community Rebuilders of Grand Rapids will coordinate supportive services to assist these residents in achieving greater self-sufficiency.
All units at Shea Ravines will feature contemporary designs, quality finishes, and energy-efficient appliances, including dishwashers. Community amenities include a multipurpose room, playground, and bike storage. The US Green Building Council expects the building to be certified LEED Zero Energy.
“To address the housing shortage in the West Michigan area, we’re proud to break ground on the first phase of Shea Ravines. This project, named in honor of our prior CEO, Chris Shea, will culminate in a total of 112 affordable housing units on our Wyoming Community Health Center campus,” said Tasha Blackmon, President and CEO, Cherry Health. “Housing instability is a critical social determinant of health. If housing is stable, patients are more likely to show for appointments, which improves health outcomes. Partnering with Woda Cooper on Cherry Health’s first housing endeavor is just another way we’re meeting our mission to increase access to care for those who need it most.”
The City of Wyoming approved a 3% Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), which helped make Shea Ravines possible. In 2024, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) allocated housing tax credits to Shea Ravines to support the development financing.
“Shea Ravines represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, collaborative development Michigan needs more of, where quality, affordable housing is paired with critical wrap-around services,” said Chad Benson, MSHDA Director of Development. “At MSHDA, we’re proud to support this project through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and to work alongside dedicated partners like Woda Cooper and Cherry Health. Together, we’re creating homes that promote stability, dignity, and well-being for individuals and families across Wyoming and beyond.”
Woda Cooper has developed 42 affordable communities in Michigan since 2005, with Shea Ravines being the first development in partnership with Cherry Health. Earlier this year, MSDHA allocated housing tax credits to support financing for Shea Ravines II, which will add 56 affordable multifamily units as a second phase at the same location.
“We are pleased to have Cherry Health as our partner at Shea Ravines. They have built an excellent reputation throughout the state of Michigan for providing quality dental and medical services, and we are very excited that our residents will have access to affordable, quality housing and affordable, quality health care at one location,” said David Cooper, Jr., President of Woda Cooper Companies.
The neighborhood surrounding Shea Ravines offers excellent access to a host of community businesses and amenities via walking, biking, or driving. Within a short distance are many employment opportunities, retail stores and restaurants, high school and ball fields, churches, parks, and other community amenities.
Marble Cliff Capital, LLC, is investing in the tax credits to provide equity financing for the project. “Today marks a significant milestone in the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the greater Grand Rapids community,” said Jack Kukura, President and Founder, Marble Cliff Capital. “The groundbreaking of Shea Ravines represents a new beginning for all those who are seeking stability and critical supports. At Marble Cliff Capital, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and through this 56-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project, we are proud to contribute to the vital need for new affordable housing in Wyoming. Many thanks to our partners Woda Cooper Companies, Inc., Cherry Health, and Independent Bank, who are laying the foundation for hope and empowerment at Shea Ravines.”
Grand Rapids-based Independent Bank is providing a construction loan as well as a permanent mortgage. “We are pleased to be able to support this important partnership of Woda Cooper Companies and Cherry Health. This critical addition of quality affordable housing to the Wyoming Community with access to health care services will strengthen the community and have a lasting impact on the residents of Shea Ravines,” said Joel Rahn, Executive Vice President – Commercial Banking.
The architect for Shea Ravines is Hooker DeJong, Inc. with general contracting by Woda Construction, Inc. Moore & Bruggink performed civil engineering. Leasing and property management will be performed by Woda Management & Real Estate, LLC.
About the Collaborators:
Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state and is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 700 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive, quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. The nonprofit integrated health system provides primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, and more. For more information, visit CherryHealth.org.
