Former Grand Rapids construction executive Mike VanGessel has sold a group of prominent retail spaces that were among his first downtown real estate investments nearly 30 years ago.
The eight storefronts in the Peck and Belford buildings spanning both sides of Monroe Center Street NW sold in two separate transactions totaling $3.1 million at the end of January. VanGessel, who owned the properties with other executives at his former construction firm Rockford, listed the parcels shortly after stepping down as CEO in early 2025.
The Peck building suites, which include Gazelle Sports, Greyson Clothiers and Shinola, sold to a Southeast Michigan property investor who’s entering the West Michigan market for the first time. Dearborn-based investor Ali Darwich acquired five storefronts in the Peck building at 52 Monroe St. NW and 40 Monroe St. NW on Jan. 30 for $2.2 million, just under the $2.3 million asking price…