May 2026 Edition

This month, we want to talk about the impact that construction has on communities. What some may consider just a building, FED recognizes as a way to renew the local economy and hope in the towns they’re in

Project Spotlight: Riverwalk Place

Square Feet: 54,747 Year Built: 2004 FED main office is located on the second floor

We built Riverwalk Place in 2004 with 20,382 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 17,590 square foot second floor with a salon and spa, beautiful hotel rooms, and 16,775 square feet of luxury suites on the third floor. There are three spacious banquet rooms, a large garage area, and a private golf simulator room on the first level. Multiple offices are located on the second floor of Riverwalk Place, including FED.

Impact: Hosting events that bring thousands of people to Gladwin, building exposure to other local businesses, while offering opportunities to bring the local community together. None of which would be possible without this “building.”

Annual Jeep Creep Event 2025 (Pictured Above)

Industry Insights:

Across major U.S. metros, tenant improvement projects are moving again. Office repositioning, renewals and selective expansions are back on the calendar. According to recent market reporting from JLL, U.S. office leasing activity hit a post-pandemic high in the fourth quarter of 2025, with annual leasing growing about 5.2% year-over-year and large-scale transactions increasing roughly 15% compared with the prior year. Read the full article here.

Inside FED: Customer Point of View

Hearing directly from our customers is one of the best ways to share what it’s like to work with FED.

The MiHIA project is a strong example of community impact in action. FED Design Builders transformed a former elementary school into a modern office and laboratory space for the Central Michigan Health Department, creating a collaborative hub that supports public health programs, family services, and community wellness initiatives. Delivered ahead of schedule, the facility now serves as a space designed to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to essential resources. We’re proud to have partnered with MiHIA, the Sunrise Community Resource Center, and local leaders to help bring this vision to life. Watch the testimonial here.

Steel Spotlight: Expanding Impact

Did you know FED offered steel supply and erect?

We know the importance of starting projects on the right foot, and our steel crew is the best at what they do. That’s why we’re partnering with other general contractors to support their projects with steel buildings. This helps our team make a positive impact on steel building construction in Michigan, even when we are not the general contractor.

FED steel building supply and erect for Serenus Johnson on the Bay County Road Commission Project