East Hills

With seven distinct neighborhoods, three thriving business strips, and three of the city's five historic districts, East Hills is Grand Rapids' undisputed Center of the Universe. Located just east of the central city, East Hills offers a wide selection of eateries, boutique shops, and art galleries. Although the flavor and character of the district is perhaps best experienced by simply strolling neighborhood sidewalks and welcoming chance conservations. Defined by kindness and courage, East Hills is celebrated for its unique mix of racial diversity, artistic creativity, and blazing civic spirit. And whether it's the Corinthian columns of the historic DA Blodgett building or the red brick pavers lining Wealthy Street, the neighborhood also is maintaining clear connections to rich its past amidst a flurry of modern development.

Carol Moore, local preservationist and founder of Hermitage at Diamond, stands in the sanctuary of the 150-year-old former East Hills church she is restoring.

Historic Grand Rapids church finds new life as arts venue

Hermitage at Diamond blends historic preservation with contemporary art, hosting ArtPrize while fundraising to restore its landmark stained-glass windows.  

New owners to continue Grand Rapids’ LaFontsee Galleries legacy

New owners plan to continue legacy of Grand Rapids’ LaFontsee Galleries.

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New rules requiring lead dust testing would “keep kiddos safe”

Proposed City of Grand Rapids requirements for lead dust testing would reduce childhood lead poisoning.

Grand Rapids’ Restaurant Week to put social zones prominently on display

Grand Rapids Restaurant Week shows off social districts that were developed during COVID lockdowns and expanded to permanent status since.

Utilizing tech, talent and connections during Tech Week GR and beyond

Tech Week GR underlines Grand Rapids’ claim to the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. The Right Place and other strategic partners have created a foundation for helping technology companies thrive in Grand Rapids, driven by the live event.

Removing barriers so people can live their best lives

Improving old technologies with new is, in many ways, the heart of improving access for humans. It is also a great motivator for those with the talents to do so. Here are the people behind those efforts and why this work is so important to them and within the region.

GRow1000 returns for its third year to help shape careers of next generation

GRow1000 returns to employ young adults ages 15 to 24 in professional career opportunities and mentorship. One partner organization, Spectrum Health, explains how participants can benefit from this program.

Rapid Reconnect: A Q & A with Chartreuse Sisters’ Owners Alyson & Mallory Caillaud-Jones

As businesses continue to navigate the pandemic, it can be helpful to both take a step back to reflect on where they’ve been and look at what is to come. For the owners of Chartreuse Sisters, a French-American fusion patisserie, while the past two years have presented challenges, they have been able to roll with the changes thanks to their creativity, their team and a supportive customer base.

Exploring Grand Rapids throughout Black History Month and beyond

Before Black History Month comes to an end, it is a great time to discover new attractions and educational opportunities highlighting Black culture and impact. Take a look at photos of places to visit as you navigate throughout the city.

Residents get more power in allocating ARPA dollars with participatory budgeting model

City of Grand Rapids is using a new model, the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), that will give residents more say in how its $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be spent in each of the city's three wards.

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