Heartside

The place where art, entertainment, charity, and good eats converge, Heartside is located just southeast of the central city. The historic district features a number of Grand Rapids' most popular destinations. The Van Andel Arena hosts major concerts, and is home to the Griffins hockey team, an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Ionia Avenue is known for its vibrant nightlife. Avenue for the Arts, which runs along Division Avenue, showcases local artistic talent in shops and galleries. And the new Downtown Market, just South of Wealthy Street (not technically in Heartside, but close enough) provides a large selection of year-round produce and food options.Housing in Heartside is on fire, where hundreds of repurposed industrial and early 19th Century commercial spaces have been converted into some of the best residential projects in the Midwest.Heartside is recognized and celebrated for its compassion. So amidst the wi-fi coffee shops and modern lofts is a number of upstanding community kitchens, clothing banks, and other services for less fortunate citizens. Heartside joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, it offers some of the more fashionable shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city.  

Bamboo Grand Rapids connects Michiganders by providing a third space that also combats loneliness

A once-vacant building in a creative Grand Rapids neighborhood now houses Bamboo’s expanded location, offering flexible workspace and connections to local and statewide innovation networks.

BANK program prevents evictions, keeping Dwelling Place residents housed through sudden crises

Donor support is needed to sustain BANK, which prevents evictions through one-time rental assistance and services that build lasting housing stability.

The little vintage district that could

Nestled in the center of Grand Rapids, a group of fashion-oriented creatives is subtly turning South Division Avenue into a lively cultural hub rooted in sustainability, community, and shared goals.

Brandon Copeland of Grammotones
One beat at a time: Brandon Copeland and the creative heart of community-building

Brandon Copeland has dedicated 20 years to demonstrating how artists can inspire community, culture, and the future of Grand Rapids, from DIY hip-hop shows to his live-work storefront, Grammotones.

Adrian Butler is a DJ, producer, content creator, and artist.
Exhibit A’s comeback celebrates Grand Rapids’ unique style and collaborative spirit

As Grand Rapids readies itself for the electrifying return of Exhibit A, there’s a palpable energy running through our city’s creative community, which is being included and elevated once again in this beloved event that has not been staged since 2019.

Degage enlists artist Derrick Hollowell to engage its patrons through art

Heartside area artist Derrick Hollowell was commissioned to create a large mural that accompanies a new donor wall at Degage Ministries. 

Easterseals MORC is promoting inclusivity with its "See The Good" campaign for National Disability Awareness Month.
Easterseals MORC launches “See The Good” to highlight abilities of individuals with disabilities

Easterseals MORC is promoting inclusivity with its "See The Good" campaign for National Disability Awareness Month. The campaign celebrates the talents and gifts of individuals with disabilities.

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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.

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