Tourism likely to thrive despite gas prices
Despite rising gas prices, West Michigan leaders expect a productive tourism season. And Grand Rapids looks to be a prime destination with a variety of exhibitions and entertainment events scheduled.
Center City
A frontier fur-trading town that continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and can-do spirit, the Center City district of Grand Rapids is the financial and cultural anchor of Michigan's West Coast. Rising on the eastern shore of the Grand River, Center City features numerous attractions. The Civic Theatre is Michigan's oldest community theatre. The GRAM holds more than 5,000 works in its permanent collection. The Monroe Center walking mall offers a wide selection of coffee houses, restaurants, and boutique shops. Rosa Parks Circle, the district's public park and amphitheatre, hosts weekly blues concerts in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Another unique highlight is La Grande Vitesse, a large outdoor sculpture at the center of government square, which is distinguished as America's first publicly-funded art installation. The district's major festivals include a three-day arts celebration in June, as well as distinct Polish, Irish, Italian, Native American, Latino, Mexican, German, and African American celebrations of cultural heritage throughout the summer. Incorporated as a city in 1850 with a population of 2,686, Center City now is the heart of Michigan's second largest city. Once known as the Furniture Capitol of the World, this also is the epicenter of Grand Rapids effort to redefine its identity as a leader of modern medical research and sustainable design.
City leaders reveal their secret: a new downtown marketing campaign
The Downtown Alliance launched a new marketing campaign for Center City. They hope the “Keep it a secret” slogan will attract people to downtown Grand Rapids.
Downtown Photo Essay
Downtown Grand Rapids is filled in incredible architecture and Brian Kelly helps us see it differently. Click here to view.
GR property values continue to rise
Grand Rapids property values rose by an average 5.6% over the past year, according to State Equalized Values. Residential property jumped significantly, increasing 6.3 percent.
Bliss brings energy, diversity, and ideas to City Commission
Rosalynn Bliss took office this year as the youngest female elected in Grand Rapid’s history. Now she is bringing youthful energy and new ideas to the Second Ward commission post.
25-foot Painting will welcome visitors to the new GRAM
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is not just building a beautiful new facility. The GRAM also is expanding its collection. Renowned American artist Ellsworth Kelly will create a special piece for the facility’s main lobby.
Parking lots give way to development
Developers increasingly view city owned property as a hot commodity, especially surface parking lots. They have proposed everything from condos to a movie theatre to replace lots surrounding Van Andel Arena.
Historic downtown skyscraper sold to new investor
Spring Lake resident Mark Roller and McKay Tower Partners purchased the historic McKay Tower building located at Pearl Street and Monroe Center. The first four floors of the 18-story building were built 1915 with the remaining floors being added in 1927 and 1942.
MSU Trustees clear path for med school expansion in GR
The MSU Medical School will expand west into Grand Rapids by a vote of the Board of Trustees. The program would take advantage of, and significantly enhance, the major medical infrastructure rising in the city.
Investors consider building first downtown movie theater in decades
Detroit area developers have a plan to convert a city parking lot near the arena into a new movie theatre. While local theater companies balk at the prospects the out of town developers see success on the horizon.
