As part of a series, Rapid Growth is speaking with nominees of several "best of" categories of the
20th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards, a partnership between
Neighborhood Ventures and the
Neighborhood Business Alliance that honors businesses across the city that have added to the quality of life in their locales.
Best New Construction – Small Project: Lake Michigan Credit Union/Pioneer ConstructionBusiness is booming at the new Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) branch on the corner of Michigan and Prospect streets in Grand Rapids. The branch offers one-stop financial shopping for LMCU members, as well as an in-house coffee shop, The Perk, where members and non-members can get a drink, a snack or lunch.
The 4,000-square-foot building gives LMCU a presence on the Medical Mile, a location that helps the company capitalize on its history of serving the healthcare industry. Since opening 11 months ago, the branch has opened nearly 800 new accounts, says Julie Blitchok, vice president of retail operations and marketing. The branch created seven new banking jobs, as well.
The building features a two-story glass wall that forms an atrium open to the ceiling. The second level is similar to a loft space and overlooks the lobby where there are five teller stations, two drive-through lanes and a walk-up 24-hour ATM service.
"The response has exceeded our expectations," Blitchok says. "The volume and activity at the branch are showing excellent growth."
Other nominees are:
Best New Construction – Large Project: Cesar E. Chavez Elementary/ Triangle AssociatesConstruction of the $11.5 million Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School might not have happened if it weren't for some sound budgeting by the Grand Rapids Public Schools. The money to replace the former Hall Elementary with the new school came from the $165 million bond approved by voters in 2004 – a bond earmarked for 10 major projects that didn't include Hall Elementary.
Chavez Elementary, 703 Shamrock (near Grandville Avenue), opened last month to 410 preschool through fifth graders, up from 350 last year. The 60,000-square-foot building has state-of-the-art technology for students and teachers, 22 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, gymnasium and a cafeteria.
"The total transformation of Grandville Avenue, starting with the renovation of the
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, then Café Aromas down the street and the new streetscaping, has made the Roosevelt Park neighborhood a very walkable community," says John Helmholdt, GRPS communications director. "The school on the corner is an attractive addition and a fitting tribute to the whole area."
Other nominees are:Stay tuned to Rapid Growth for our online voting where you can vote for your favorite businesses. Those with the most online votes will receive a People's Choice Award sponsored by Rapid Growth.
The awards ceremony on November 5 is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre. The public is invited.
Source: Julie Blitchok, Lake Michigan Credit Union; John Helmholdt, Grand Rapids Public Schools
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.