OVD Insurance to Invest $1 Million in New Michigan Headquarters
Grand Rapids, Michigan – OVD Insurance is set to establish its new headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, following a $1 million investment. The full-service insurance brokerage is partnering with CWD Real Estate Investment to purchase a 7-story, 99,000-square-foot office building located at 37 Ottawa.
OVD Insurance will invest $1 million with help from MEDC, opening corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Photo: CWD Real Estate Investment)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting this project with a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program grant. OVD Insurance plans to add 131 jobs over the next five years as part of this expansion.
OVD Insurance, founded in 1982, provides a range of insurance services. The company plans to occupy 30,000 square feet within the new building, becoming the anchor tenant. The remaining space will continue to be leased to current tenants. Company leadership anticipates occupying the new space later in 2025 and will begin significant renovations in the near future.
“Investing in this downtown location is more than just raising the profile of OVD Insurance — it’s a physical expression of our launch into the next phase of our company,” said Josh Van Vels, President of OVD Insurance. “As a privately owned firm, we remain deeply committed to investing in our communities, and there’s no better place to do that than in the heart of Grand Rapids. This space will enhance our professionalism and culture, reinforcing that this is a people business — one where attracting and retaining top talent is key to our success. We’re incredibly grateful to the partners who helped us reach this milestone, including CWD, The Right Place, The City of Grand Rapids, and the MEDC.”
Van Vels added, “We believe this move enables us to further invest in what truly matters: our culture, our people, and our clients. We look forward to attracting more like-minded individuals to our world-class team.”
Sam Cummings, CWD Managing Partner, spoke about the project, stating, “When we originally acquired the Helmer Building (37 Ottawa) in 2012 and brought it out of its aluminum skin back in 2018-19, this is the result that we were hoping for—to attract a great corporate HQ to our downtown. We are thrilled to bring all the great people and culture of OVD to the City and specifically downtown Grand Rapids—and we are grateful to them for partnering with us on their new home. CWD will continue to manage the 37 Ottawa building as part of our ongoing partnership with OVD.”
The Right Place, Inc., worked with the MEDC to facilitate the company’s growth in West Michigan, supporting the organization by coordinating state and local resources.
Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place, Inc., and project lead, shared her enthusiasm, “We’re excited OVD Insurance has chosen to grow their headquarters in the heart of Grand Rapids. OVD’s decision to locate their corporate HQ in the city will bring more energy to an already vibrant downtown and speaks to the region’s ability to attract the highly-skilled talent our companies need to thrive.”
