Meet Kurt Hassberger

Advisor

Kurt’s development related activities with respect to his work history and their related projects (see sidebar) include land and building acquisitions, investor relations, permitting and approvals, working with the Historic Preservation Commission, entitlements including Brownfield Plans, Historic Tax Credits and New Markets Tax Credits, sales, leasing, condominium documentation, and negotiating numerous agreements with the City including land swaps, parking incentives, and options.

Kurt has been happily married to his wife, Madelon, for 45 years. His son Eric and wife Andrea have three daughters: Isla (8) and twins Blaire and Elle (5). And his daughter Kelly and husband Charlie Peterson have a son Charlie (3).

Kurt’s hobbies include golf, travel, and chasing around the grandkids.

Education

  • Michigan State University, Bachelor of Science – 1975

  • University of Michigan, Juris Doctor – 1978

Work History

  • 1978 – 1995: Attorney at Rhoades McKee. Partner from 1984. Areas of practice included municipal law, zoning and planning, condemnation, estate planning. The firm served as Special Counsel to the City of Grand Rapids with respect to downtown redevelopment activities. We acquired properties on behalf of the City that became the sites of projects including the Monroe Avenue extension, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Van Andel Arena, the Lake Michigan Water Main right-of-way, the widening of Seward Avenue, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and many other smaller projects. We were also involved on behalf of the City in numerous negotiations related to public / private partnerships.

  • 1995 – 2022: Held numerous titles at Rockford Construction including General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, and President of Rockford Development Group. Rockford developed numerous projects in West Michigan, most notably rehabilitation and redevelopment projects in and around the Grand Rapids Central Business District. Projects included the Steketee’s Building, the Peck Building, Front Row Condominiums, Cherry Street Landing which included Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 120 Ionia, 35 Oakes, 70 lonia, 64 lonia, 45 Ottawa, 89 lonia, and the Morton House. Rockford has also been instrumental in the revitalization of the City’s West Side with projects including its own corporate office, Fulton Place, the Hendrik, Bridge Street Market, and New Holland Brewing. Rockford also assisted with downtown projects such as the GRPD Headquarters and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.