GRCF Gets Icehouse

GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Community Foundation is completing plans to purchase a building that will be a permanent home to the philanthropic organization.

The building, known as the “Icehouse,” is located at

72 Grandville Ave. SW.

The historic building has more than 17,000 square feet of office space. The Community Foundation expects to conduct a low-profile fundraising campaign in the community, raising $4.5 million to cover the cost of the property, completion of the building, move-in expenses and furnishings.

“As the Grand Rapids Community Foundation began to evaluate its continued growth, community leadership and future direction, the benefits of building ownership became a topic of discussion,” said Diana Sieger, foundation president. “Finding a potential building in the heart of the city was important to us.

“The pending purchase of the 1904 building reaffirms the foundation’s commitment to downtown, to smart land use and to the environment,” Sieger said. “The foundation intends to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the building.”

Long-time community philanthropists Tom and Mickie Fox approached the Foundation nearly four years ago with the offer of a $1 million lead gift for the building.

“Since I’ve been involved with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, it has been a dream of mine to see it in a place with higher visibility. They deserve to be seen by everyone in the community,” said Tom Fox, the former owner of Fox Jewelers.

“The work of the foundation is important, and increased public prominence with a building would help people know and maybe better understand the role of the Community Foundation in Grand Rapids. I know from being in business that part of any business’s success is visibility, and I believe a building will be a tremendous advantage.”