After Bankruptcy, Delays, Knapp’s Crossing Shopping Development to Move Forward [Video]

Grand Rapids is getting a new retail space in Spring 2016, Fox 17 reports.

Talk about the development of the Village at Knapp's Crossing has been going on for over a decade.

Developer Steve Benner purchased the property near northeast corner of Knapp Street and the East Beltline in 2004 with the goal of turning it into a "lifestyle center".  In 2013, Brenner filed for bankruptcy.

The only business in operation at the time was P.F. Changs.

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rick Baker told Fox 17,

"Development was getting started right around the time we had our last downturn... now I think this is a sign of where we are in our economy and the growth we’re experiencing. The development out there is positive for the neighborhood around it."

Presently the site includes D&W Fresh Market, P.F. Changes, and newly-opened Bagger Dave's and Bravo Italiana.

Metro Deroit-based developer Lormax Stern Development says eight retailers are signed on to lease out spaces in the newly built storefronts in Phase 1 of the project, which will be open by spring: PNC Bank, Potbelly Sandwiches, Rx Optical, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, Piology Pizza, ArtVan Pure Sleep Mattress Store, Lady Jane's and GNC.

Construction is also moving forward with Phase II of the project which  includes four additional buildings, and up to 15 additional storefronts.