Located comfortably between the inner suburb of East Grand Rapids and the resurgent East Hills neighborhood, Eastown is the seat of the city's alternative, hipster scene. Some refer to the area as the 'Greenwich Village of Grand Rapids.'The district also is known as the city's gathering place. With coffee shops like Early Bird, blues bars like Billy's, and one-of-a-kind restaurants like Yesterdog, Wolfgang's, Terra, and Matchbox Eastown draws an eclectic mix people from all over the city for breakfast, lunch, and night life.
While the major book dealers lack the vision and confidence to exand into the downtown market, a number of locally-owned specialty shops are filling the void. Together, these smaller stores offer a tremendous amount of knowledge and all welcome book mavericks.
Grand Rapids city commissioners recently approved spending $15 million on four separate construction projects. The work involves modernizing sewer lines, resurfacing major roadways, and other repairs.
Speaking to an audience at Grand Valley State University, Right Place President Birgit Klohs said education, innovation, and technology is key to West Michigan’s 21st Century prosperity.
On September 6, 2006 United Airlines will launch service from Grand Rapids to Denver. The route is expected to be a major pathway connecting Grand Rapids to the western United States.
Cingular Wireless announced a $100 million plan to improve its network across Michigan, including a substantial investment in metro Grand Rapids. The company has already invested over $60 million in Michigan since it acquired AT&T Wireless more than a year ago.
Governor Granholm tour of Japan landed 150 new jobs and nearly $34 million in investments for Michigan. Grand Rapids should see 80 news jobs and some $13 million in foreign investment.
Two Michigan based companies – Meijer and General Motors – have chosen Grand Rapids as one of several target markets for corn- and soy-based fuel. The fuel, which is 85 percent ethanol, aims to help reduce fossil fuel dependency, eliminate harmful auto emissions, and open new markets for the agricultural industry.
The Ride to Read program, established in 1992, connects GRPS students with books and the library.
A recent survey from Spout.com, a new Grand Rapids-based internet movie retailer and film forum, reveals film enthusiasts are dissatisfied with Hollywood’s product and prefer to watch movies at home with friends.
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.
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