Planning commission approves new Hispanic Center facility at 735 Ritzma Court with pedestrian and parking conditions

Grand Rapids — The Planning Commission on Oct. 9 approved the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s plan to build a three‑story, mixed‑use facility at 735 Ritzma Court SW that will house a childcare center, community center and office space, with conditions to improve pedestrian access and a waiver for required parking.

Laura (staff planner) summarized the project and staff recommendations before the applicant described operations. “A new 18,000 square foot 3 story building will be constructed in the general location of where the church was sited previously,” she said, noting the 1.34‑acre lot and nearby Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School.

What the commission approved: The resolution authorized the special land use and site plan review with conditions requiring construction and maintenance of a pedestrian walkway along the north side of the parking lot, the construction of a public sidewalk along the Ritzma frontage…