Downtown Zeeland sees record $30M investment in transformative year

From new developments and reimagined historic spaces to thriving restaurants and milestone celebrations, 2024 has been a transformative year for downtown Zeeland, which saw a record $30 million in public-private investments.

“Downtown Zeeland experienced tremendous growth this year,” City Manager Tim Klunder says. “Thanks to the dedicated developers and business owners who share the city’s vision for creating and maintaining a robust downtown with high-quality developments, we saw significant investment in Main Avenue. These projects will help attract more residents, customers, and employees to the district.”

The foundation for this growth is Zeeland’s downtown vision plan, which emphasized creating “strong corners,” a balance of retail, office, and living spaces, and a vibrant, walkable community. 

“That plan really set the table,” Klunder says. “We pursued key properties, issued requests for proposals, and worked with developers who believed in our vision. It’s been a great public-private partnership.”

Courtesy City of ZeelandZeeland completed its first outdoor mural this year at 210 E. Main Ave.

Here’s a look at the highlights of Zeeland’s landmark year.

Several large-scale projects have redefined downtown Zeeland, transforming historic sites and adding modern amenities:

• Sligh Townhouses and Apartments: GDK completed the transformation of the historic Sligh Furniture Factory at 349 E. Main Ave. into a residential complex featuring nine townhouses and 39 apartments. Located at the new eastern gateway to downtown, the project brings contemporary housing to a site steeped in history.
• 137 E. Main: Wooden Nickel LLC is nearing completion of a three-story, mixed-use building that includes an expanded Moxy Dental and Airway practice, eight apartments, and a new retail space. The project also introduces a pedestrian passageway connecting the municipal parking lot to Main Avenue.
• 17 E. Main: Geerlings Development broke ground on a three-story, mixed-use building that will include 9,400 square feet of commercial space and 22 apartments. This project anchors the western gateway to downtown.
• Midwest Construction Group headquarters: The company relocated to the historic Zeeland Record Building at 16 S. Elm St., bringing over 30 jobs to the downtown area and revitalizing the century-old structure.

Zeeland’s culinary scene flourished in 2024 with the reopening of cherished favorites and the arrival of a new option:

• Community Restaurant reopened in January after a devastating 2022 fire, restoring a beloved fixture at 421 E. Main.
• Public Restaurant, now back at its original location at 131 E. Main, unveiled a refreshed look and updated menu after temporarily closing in 2021.
• The Gritzmaker Social House joined the district this summer, becoming the sixth full-service restaurant in Zeeland’s social district.

In retail, The Adorned Home opened at 122 E. Main just in time for the holidays, offering home décor and women’s clothing in a boutique setting.

Courtesy City of ZeelandAn aerial view of downtown Zeeland.

This year brought notable anniversaries for some of Zeeland’s longest-standing businesses:

• Frank’s Restaurant, a Main Street staple, celebrated its 100th year.
• The Zeeland Historical Society marked its 50th anniversary, highlighting its role in preserving the city’s heritage.
• Tripelroot, the first brewpub in downtown Zeeland, celebrated 10 years.

Other businesses expanded, including Don’t Tell Mom Tattoos and Piercings, which relocated to a larger space at 52 E. Main.

Zeeland completed its first outdoor mural this year at 210 E. Main. Painted by local artist Krista Arendsen, the mural features colorful imagery inspired by Zeeland’s history and has quickly become a favorite photo spot for residents and visitors alike.

“This mural has been a long time coming,” Klunder says. “It’s a great addition to downtown and a testament to what’s possible when the community works together.”'

With Main Street fully open after years of construction, 2025 will be a year of accessibility and continued development. The Main Avenue project is bringing snow-melt sidewalks, updated streetscapes, and a fourth block of improvements. The result will improve functionality and aesthetics.

“We’ve made great progress, but the work is never done,” Klunder says. “We have additional projects in the pipeline, but it’s too early to announce details. What’s clear is that Zeeland’s future is bright, and we’re committed to moving forward.”

Klunder, who has been city manager since 2002, reflects on the transformation he’s witnessed. 

“When I arrived, downtown looked very different,” he says. “One of the first projects I oversaw was removing the awnings over the sidewalks and reconstructing Main Street. Since then, we’ve faced challenges like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’ve never stopped improving. It’s been incredible to see the city evolve.”

He attributes the community’s success to the collaboration between public and private partners. Local developers, including GDK, Midwest Construction, and Wooden Nickel, have played pivotal roles. 

“It’s a bonus that many of our developers are local,” Klunder says. “They have a personal investment in the community, which enhances their commitment to our shared vision.”