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.
To address the latest opioid overdose epidemic, local nonprofit The Grand Rapids Red Project has a new way to save lives in the community. In partnership with Wayne State University, the nonprofit installed a naloxone vending machine outside its office, which offers the lifesaving drug for free 24/7.
The New Community Transformation Fund is an investment fund focused on increasing inclusivity and improving economic equity for POC-owned businesses. Welcoming its first Managing Director, Ollie Howie, the Fund is focused on securing additional capital and completing its first investments.
When being a caregiver or parent, health is always an important topic. Kent District Library’s programming, focused on mental health, mom’s groups and early childhood reading programs, aims to foster a strong family foundation.
In an effort to support mobility and accessibility, the City of Grand Rapids has purchased 35 bus shelters to be placed along The Rapid transit stops within city limits. The shelters provide light in poorly-lit areas in addition to creating a comfortable environment.
In an effort to increase outdoor engagement and provide equitable access to outdoor activities in green-deficient neighborhoods, the city of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department launched the Thrive Outside Gear Library.
This past year, Mel Trotter Ministries launched The Kitchen @ 40 Cherry, a social enterprise with the goal of generating enough income to support the 300-600 daily meals served to those in need.
Whether you’re seeking employment for the first-time or entirely switching career paths, the job market can be intimidating. Through Kent District Library’s partnership with local community networks and staffing organizations, community members can gain valuable resources to help them along their professional journey.
Perhaps one of the industries most impacted by the ongoing pandemic has been the live entertainment industry. After local independent music venues were shuttered for over a year, many have reopened their doors to musicians and fans alike. With reopening, comes new COVID-safety protocols and challenges faced.
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