Tourism likely to thrive despite gas prices
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.
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.
Architecture firm finds new home in historic building.
Design Plus next year will move its headquarters to the Pike House at 230 East Fulton. The firm plans to spend $1 million to restore the property.
Thirty-foot sculpture to grace Rapid Central Station
City transit leaders selected a new piece of public art to spiff up Rapid Central Station – a 30-foot sculpture made from transparent plastic and aluminum.
Downtown Photo Essay
Downtown Grand Rapids is filled in incredible architecture and Brian Kelly helps us see it differently. Click here to view.
GR property values continue to rise
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.
Bliss brings energy, diversity, and ideas to City Commission
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.
Parking lots give way to development
Developers increasingly view city owned property as a hot commodity, especially surface parking lots. They have proposed everything from condos to a movie theatre to replace lots surrounding Van Andel Arena.
Welcome to Rapid Growth
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.
Investors consider building first downtown movie theater in decades
Detroit area developers have a plan to convert a city parking lot near the arena into a new movie theatre. While local theater companies balk at the prospects the out of town developers see success on the horizon.
Avenue For the Arts hosts Free Radical
The latest Free Radical Gallery, a roaming art show, will celebrate the resurgence of South Division as an epicenter of Grand Rapids’ art and culture. The event transforms apartments and storefronts into gallery spaces for local artists and art enthusiasts.
