Beam Signing Marks a Milestone for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Beam Signing Marks a Milestone for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Lakeshore Advantage celebrated a significant step in opening the doors to its new business incubator and headquarters by signing one of the last beams to be installed
HOLLAND, Mich. – Construction on a new hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in downtown Holland—the Next Center—is on track for a 2024 opening. Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for West Michigan’s lakeshore region, and its construction partner, EV Construction, joined together in a beam-signing ceremony today to commemorate a major milestone. Leaders and dedicated staff from both organizations signed one of the final beams to be installed to complete the building’s structure.
The Next Center will be owned and operated by Lakeshore Advantage. On its first floor, the Center will house a business incubator fronting 7th Street and College Avenue, between downtown Holland’s main shopping district and the city’s new Community Ice Skating Park currently under development. The first floor will be home to up to 50 start-ups. The second floor will be the new headquarters of Lakeshore Advantage. The third floor, approximately 5,000 square feet of class-A office space, is now available for lease. You can find more information on leasing the space at https://www.commercialexchange.com/listing/39613043/65-E-7th-St-Holland-MI-49423.
“The Next Center is designed to provide an accessible and collaborative space for our region’s entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate the growth of their startups,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Likewise, our local businesses will have access to potential resources and solutions for their research and development or innovation needs through this ecosystem.”
EV Construction is leading the project’s construction. The first sections of steel were installed and the main structure of the building was created in January. Steel installation will continue into February and is likely to be completed before the end of the month.
“Watching the progress onsite from our office windows has been exciting,” said John Parker, vice president of project development at EV Construction. “We can really see the building take shape and see how it will change the look of the intersection. This is a momentous project for Lakeshore Advantage and should be a catalyst for the growth of north downtown.”
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Photos submitted:
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Caption: Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage signs one of the final beams to be placed on the Next Center
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Caption: Rendering of the Next Center on the corner of College and 7th in downtown Holland, MI
About Lakeshore Advantage
Lakeshore Advantage is the economic GPS for West Michigan's Ottawa and Allegan Counties. The nonprofit economic development organization grows primary employers at all stages of development, plans to ensure long-term economic health, and solves economic challenges and identifies opportunities. Lakeshore Advantage was established in 2003 by forward-focused business and community leaders to assist primary employers—from startups to established global corporations—as they navigate growth in the lakeshore region.
In 2023, Lakeshore Advantage supported 26 business growth projects consisting of $3.2 billion in private investment and $634.3 million in support funds leveraged in the two counties. Business growth projects resulted in 1,091 new and retained jobs. In addition, Lakeshore Advantage provided economic support to 285 primary employers and 73 startup companies in the two counties. More at www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.
About EV Construction
EV Construction is a leading provider of construction services. Headquartered in West Michigan, the company specializes in delivering the highest quality construction management and consulting services to a wide variety of industries across the U.S. EV Construction is built around people - clients, employees, and community members – and was named the 2023/2024 Michigan Contractor of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan. This prestigious recognition from the trade contracting community recognizes EV’s excellence in project management, safety practices, and overall dedication to the industry. For its appreciation of employees and the community, EV Construction has been named a regional “Best and Brightest Company to Work For” for sixteen consecutive years and as a national “Best and Brightest” designee for each of the thirteen years that the national honor has been awarded, even winning the coveted “Best of the Best for a Mid-Sized Company” award. Founded in 1945 as Elzinga & Volkers Construction, the company will celebrate 79 years in business in April 2024.
