Work on a $10.3 million commercial metal building along the river in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., could begin in three weeks, as the state signed off on tax credits for the project Tuesday.

The Christman Co. is planning a three-story steel building - to be used for office space - atop a two-story parking structure.

It is slated to be new home for its local office, as well as the Grand Rapids office of accounting firm Plante & Moran LLP.

The metal building structure would replace an asphalt parking lot next to Grand Rapids' fish ladder park, which serves offices inside the former R.C. Allen building at Front Avenue NW and Sixth Street.

The Allen building's parking would be replaced with a surface lot across Front on the site of the former National Correct Color.

Part of the plan that includes construction of the commercial metal building calls for improvements to the public riverwalk on the property.

Christman's Joe Hooker said the building will combine convenience and a prominent downtown location for Plante & Moran.

The architect signed on to create the glass and metal building is Beta Design, located in Grand Rapids.

"We wanted something that would be complementary to that area but also complementary to downtown and the type of architecture," Hooker said.

A Plante & Moran spokeswoman wasn't certain whether the firm signed a lease. Hooker said he wouldn't be moving forward with any plans to start construction if the plans for the general steel building weren't firm.

About 3,000 square feet still are available to lease, and Plante & Moran has said it is outgrowing its space at Bridgewater.

Plante & Moran will occupy the bulk of the 46,000 square feet inside the building, with Christman's offices taking up a smaller area.

With the new location, the company plans to add 50-75 jobs.