Geek-Chic Renaissance Man
A Grand Rapids entrepreneur and dog sanctuary manager, among other things, Erik Bauer has a career that is equal parts video games, Dungeons & Dragons, pit bulls and hamburger patties.
Daniel Schoonmaker's Latest Articles
Metro Grand Rapids Shows Its Greenways
A staggering amount of resources has been spent to turn metro Grand Rapids into a trailhead for greenways leading to points near and far for hikers and bikers, and the result is happy trails for everyone.
A Family Loving Environment
Rachel Hood, Ineke Petroelje and Dave Petroelje present their updated version of the American Gothic painting, complete with a windmill instead of a pitchfork, a baby and smiles. It's all about what this generation can do for the next when it comes to protecting our environment.
A History of Environmental Action
Forty years ago, a diverse group of local citizens and community interests united as the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and changed the world. Today, a new generation celebrates that anniversary and an exciting era of renewed environmental awareness.
Rob Bliss’ Urban Experiments
Rob Bliss is proving that it only takes a millenial with some free time and a Facebook account to rebrand downtown Grand Rapids. Meet the man behind the pillow fight that put GR on the map and the zombie walk that could put it in the record books.
Everyone Should Be Polish
As much a celebration of Grand Rapids' working class neighborhoods as its Polish community, Pulaski Days has helped keep the city's century-old clubs around to join a long-awaited revitalization.
A Conversation with Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy, station manager for indepdenent radio station WYCE-FM, sits down with Rapid Growth to talk about the station's future, coming home to West Michigan, and the local indie music scene.
LEED: Credits, Cuts, and Converts
Pushing to LEED certify a building was an experiment five years ago. Today it's emerging as the construction industry standard in West Michigan. But, as developers like Nick Koster know all too well, that doesn't necessarily make the decision to go green any easier
The Knowledge to LEED
Green building has become the standard in West Michigan. But what, exactly, is the standard? How much does it cost? And, in the end, are the economic, environmental, and social returns on that investment worthwhile? To sort it all out Daniel Schoonmaker went to the construction site of an inner city office building aspiring to achieve sustainability
The Queen of Pillows
Artist and designer Shelly Klein might be Grand Rapids' most famous best kept secret. Her work has been featured in Real Simple, People, and the New York Times. Now you can read about her in Rapid Growth
