The Harris Building, rich with history and architectural character, has been an icon of the Heartside District for over a century.

 

Built in 1892 on the site of the former Grand Rapids Union Brewery, the Harris Building became one of the initial participants in the commercial transformation of Division Ave. From the beginning it promoted the versatility of today’s mixed-use developments. The first floor retail space featured the showrooms of the Harris Sample Furniture Company. Eureka Lodge #2 of the Knights of Pythias, a secret fraternal organization, occupied the second and third floor. While offices and formal meeting rooms were located on the second floor, this level also boasted an expansive, domed ballroom with 18ft ceilings. On the third floor, skylight illuminated hallways lead to bedroom suites where the lodge members could entertain their female guests.  

 

The Harris Furniture Co., from which the building retains its iconic exterior signage, moved into the first floor in 1909. It continued to operate in this location for the next sixty years. Each spring and fall, furniture buyers from across the country would converge in Grand Rapids to view and purchase from the new lines being offered. Manufacturers would display their wares at the adjacent Grand Rapids Coliseum and various other exhibition halls throughout the “Furniture City”. At the end of each show, The Harris Sample Furniture Co. would acquire at a great discount any unsold pieces from out-of-town manufacturers who wanted to avoid the cost of shipping their products home.

 

The Harris Furniture Co. closed its doors in 1969. During the decades to follow, the building housed a variety of retailers and the occasional charity until falling into disrepair by the early 2000s.

 

Over the past ten years we have seen the exciting revitalization of the historic Heartside District. South Division has become the “Avenue for the Arts.” With this in mind, the Urban Renaissance Group acquired the Harris Building and began to plan its renovation.

 

Once again the Harris Building will participate in the commercial transformation of Division Ave.

 

Renovation work went into full swing in the spring of 2013. Along the way, the Harris Building has played host to community events such as SITE: LAB and SaturDAZE, provided a gallery for AIA West Michigan and has become a home for a variety of pop-up stores. Teamwork Bags, Detroit Denim, and Direct Trade Coffee Club have all enjoyed success within its walls.

 

First floor renovations include separate entrances, refinished wood floors and brick walls, new restrooms, upgraded utilities, and the addition of windows to the west wall. Additional renovations to the entire building involve the restoration of power to the historic “Harris” sign, windows on the lower level, elevator access to all floors, LED lighting in the ballroom, and upgraded heating and cooling through out.

 

Future plans for the building include a variety of retail and restaurant tenants on the first floor and lower level while the second and third floors will be utilized as residential/ work lofts, creative studios, community event space, and a NextWork Innovation Center as well as The Renaissance Club.

 

With the renovation of this 38,000 sq. ft. landmark, encompassing retail, restaurant, office and event space, the Harris Building will play a pivotal role in the revitalization of the historic Heartside District.