Big News for Grand Rapids!

Have you been wondering what the old Nextel building on 28th street is being transformed into?  Well, after much speculation, the secret's out!  Today, it was announced that AK Rikk's is the face behind this 28,000 square foot retail gem that Visbeen Associates had the pleasure of designing.  Set to open late this summer, the new location of AK Rikk's will be a full service men's and women's clothing store complete with a men's suit room and tailor shop, women's shoes and handbags shop as well as a section of home goods and furniture from manufacturers like Herman Miller.  In addition, the back portion of the building will have classroom space for a non-profit organization currently in the works that is intended to benefit and support emerging young creatives in the Grand Rapids area.

We are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic new expansion of Grand Rapids' retail skyline.  Here are a few shots from the press conference this morning where this big news was announced, as well as some interior and exterior design renderings done by our very own David Lorenz.  You'll be transported to 5th Avenue as soon as you step inside!

 Awaiting the anticipated news

 The reveal!

 Jim Murray, president of AK Rikk's, outlining the history of AK Rikk's and it's plan for the expansion

 Captive audience of clients, business partners, supporters and press

The future of AK Rikk's

 Exterior rendering

A welcoming entrance to the two-story retail space

Women's salon with a 25 foot TV screen on the wall 

Men's haberdashery

Custom designed and built cabinetry takes display to a new level 

Small home goods and furniture shop 

 Women's shoe and handbag shop

The massive corner window display is complete with a movable stage for dramatic seasonal and featured displays

We are proud to be a member of the team bringing this vision to life:

Developer: NextWork

Architect & Interior Architect: Visbeen Associates, Inc.  

Builder: Lamar Construction Company

Interior Designer: Jeffery Roberts Design

Custom Cabinetry: Benchmark Wood Studio

Consultant: Crites, Tidey & Associates, Inc.

Structural Drafting: Landmark Design Group, PC

Landscaping: MeadowGreen Group