Diversity is the celebrated strength of the Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Avenue area. With African Americans, whites, and numerous Latino groups – Mexican Americans, Cubans, El Salvadorans, Dominicans, and Guatemalans – the area is a highly inclusive environment and business district. And the combination of cultures is represented with pride in public art, local cuisine, and neighborhood businesses.Located on the city's southwest side, the Garfield Park district is roughly bounded by Cottage Grove Street to the north, 28th Street to the south, Division and Century Streets to the west, and Eastern Avenue to the east. Alger Heights is generally defined by Eastern Avenue on the west, Kalamazoo on the east, Burton on the north, and 28th Street on the south. And the Grandville district is generally defined by Wealthy Street on the north, Burton Street to the south, Century Street on the east, and Clyde Park and Godfrey to the west.
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.
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.
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.
The proposed site for the new Salvation Army Kroc Center places it in the heart of a neighborhood with 11,000 kids. The center will provide recreational activities for inner city youth and is being financed primarily by a grant from the estate of the McDonald’s heiress Joan Kroc.
Welcome to Rapid Growth a free, weekly e-magazine that tells the story of the growth that’s changing the face of Grand Rapids and its neighborhoods.
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