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.
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.
Mercantile Bank of Michigan reported $4.9 million in first quarter income, a 13% growth. Mercantile’s income growth is linked to its expansion in the markets of central and eastern Michigan.
Downtown Self-Storage and Parcel Solutions opened their doors for business at 220 Grandville. The two businesses are paired under one roof and hope a focus on customer service will set them apart from the competition.
Locally owned bookstores such as Argos Books in Eastown continue to flourish even as the corporate chain stores encircle the city. Despite the competitive marketplace, River Bank Books and Music recently opened downtown on Monroe Center and business is booming.
The Grand Central Market and Deli on Monroe Center offers Center City residents new food shopping opportunities. The increasing number of condo dwellers can easily stop in and grab a sandwich, a bottle of wine, or a few groceries to prepare for themselves.
A local company recently launched a multi-million dollar makeover of the Founders Trust building in downtown Grand Rapids. The one-year project aims to bring a contemporary look to a nondescript façade.
The Grand Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects honored twenty-five local projects at its annual awards program. DeVos place came away with top honors in the building design category.
Location. Location. Location. That’s been the topic of the GR buzz surrounding the establishment of the school in Grand Rapids. Now the name of the institution has created another buzz in honor of the single largest donor to support the move.
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