On Madison Avenue in Grand Rapids, a long-vacant building is preparing for a new future. Once home to a Heinz pickling factory built in 1920, the structure at 1515 Madison is being reimagined as a place where ideas, businesses, and community can grow together.
The vision and design conceived by leaders from Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation and Amplify GR, has been entrusted to AMDG Architects and the TriVenture of Quantum | Invictus | Rockford.
When complete, the 64,000-square-foot, three-story building will serve as a startup hub for transformation and economic development in the Madison Square neighborhood, offering new opportunities for connection, collaboration, and investment in founders and small businesses from the 49507 [zip code] of Grand Rapids, MI.
Thoughtfully reimagined, the vibrant mixed-use space features a restaurant, a coworking space, and office suites. Enhancements to the exterior include a new west entry and parking area, and architectural lighting along the Madison Avenue façade to highlight historic brick detailing. A newly constructed perch will further define the main entrance, creating a more welcoming and easily identifiable approach.
Upon entering the building, a striking monumental staircase serves as a focal point, connecting the main level restaurant and second level of shared working spaces above. The design blends historic character with contemporary detailing and celebrates the existing wood structure. Beyond serving as a circulation element, the staircase represents a central design principle of the project, placing community and connection at the heart of the building.
With natural light pouring in through large garage doors that connect to the outdoor patio, the restaurant features a warm, modern interior shaped by natural materials. Designed to feel both vibrant and comfortable, it offers an elevated dining experience and a place where people can gather, linger, and connect.
The coworking space is designed to balance flexibility and focus, providing an environment that accommodates a variety of team sizes and working styles. Framed views, layered lighting, and organic finishes support concentration and productivity.
This rendered video, developed by AMDG Architects’ John Vandercar, Brendan Hutchings, Sami Clark, and Mike Potoka, invites you to explore the intentionally designed and revitalized spaces envisioned for the historic 1515 Madison building.
Construction slated to begin sometime next year.
Get involved
1515 Madison is a promotion of partnership established to inspire hope and high-level engagement. As a startup hub it’s a catalyst for innovation; cultivating prosperity through entrepreneurship. The uniqueness of this project is its objective of 51% community ownership to plant roots and revitalize Southtown.
To support or invest in 1515 Madison, email Justin Beene at jbeene@grcct.com.
Design Principles Informing the Renovation of the Space
- Agile – flexible / not complete / not set in stone
- Diverse – mix matters
- Belongs – fits into the neighborhood / community
- Accessible – welcoming / open / inviting
- Connected – a place that encourages collision / co-mingling / co-working / connections
- Impactful – a benefit to residents living within Southtown
- Emblematic – visually impactful / beacon
