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.

Video marketing, social media, web, print — two Muskegon firms under one roof with merger, jobs

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November 2, 2010

The owners of two young marketing firms in Muskegon say there's no better time than now to leverage the companies' growth with a merger. And that's exactly what Qonverge and Relevant have done; after five years of collaborating on countless projects, the two companies will soon bring their web and video marketing, branding and market identity, and print media expertise under one roof and one name: Revel.Relevant's Don Kalisz, 33, and Qonverge's Andy Maciejewski, 31, and Jason Piasecki, 38, merged the two companies in early summer 2010 but have held the announcement until now. Revel and its 12 employees will operate from a new 4,000-square-foot headquarters in the former Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce offices at 900 Third St., Muskegon, a few floors above Qonverge's current office. The company will retain its Grand Rapids office space at 25 Ionia Ave. SW, as well. "It was the right time for both companies because we're both coming off record years and had been collaborating on some really complex projects," says Piasecki. "We've been talking about merging for a couple of years. We have some overlapping services, which just strengthens what we were already offering to clients. It's unique in West Michigan to bring the web, video and creative all under one roof."The new space will include an audio/video production studio, and will preserve the loft-style feel of the historic Hume Building with its 15-foot-high ceilings and brick walls. The build-out is in process. The merger creates two new job positions for a print/web designer and a programmer. Piasecki looks to fill those positions soon. "We offer a new agency experience with a unique combination of services," Piasecki says. "There's no need to go outside West Michigan; businesses can get these services all in their back yard."Source: Jason Piasecki, RevelWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News EditorRelated ArticlesGrowing Muskegon communications firm creates four more technology jobsQonverge doing advertising the new wayMuskegon marketing firm opens Grand Rapids office

The Rapid transit continues down the road to ‘green’ with $32M LEED expansion in Grand Rapids

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October 28, 2010

After opening the nation's first LEED-certified public transit station in 2004 and introducing Grand Rapids' first hybrid electric bus in 2004, The Rapid continues on its route to creating a greener city with its plan for LEED certification of a $32 million expansion of its Wealthy Operations Center.The operations center (333 Wealthy St. SW) is the hub for all maintenance of the bus fleet as well as the operations administrative offices. Green features of the 80,000-square-foot addition include access to natural light to reduce electricity, a green roof on a portion of the building and the addition of a half-dozen wind turbines to supply some of the facility's electrical needs. "Virtually all vehicle maintenance is done here, so we're expanding the number of (service) bays so we can work on more busses at one time," says Brian Pouget, operations director. "We're doubling the size of the bus storage area, which is the main impetus for the expansion. It was built in 1977 for 100 busses, but with 125 busses now, we've run out of space and we're looking to the future when we'll house 170."The operations administrative staff recently moved into the office portion of the new building while the remainder is still under construction. Large windows allow in natural light to reduce the staff's need to turn on electric lights and the windows provide a view of a courtyard outside the reception area. The facility includes a training room for new bus drivers and an employee fitness room with adjacent lockers and showers.The Christman Company is the construction manager. The building was designed by Progressive AE, who also designed The Rapid's Rapid Central Station.Source: Brian Pouget, The RapidWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Custom-made fine jewelry brings the bling to Grand Rapids’ entertainment district

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October 28, 2010

If you've ever spent time, gas and energy trying to find that one-of-a-kind engagement ring or a special pendant that's worth its weight in gold, you know the frustration of finding jewelry that's been mass-produced and is of questionable quality. The folks at Craft Revival are out to change all that with their offerings of custom-made, exclusive rings, pendants, broaches, two-finger rings, belt buckles, cuff links and more. The new store (16 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) is the dream of owner Jayson Case, who learned the jeweler's craft from years of working alongside his father Brandon Case, a longtime West Michigan jewelry craftsman. Son, father and fellow jeweler Roger Conely showcase their innovative workmanship in the new storefront, which opened Sept. 21. "I wanted to have a store where we could create our own jewelry and create family heirlooms," says Jayson Case. "It kills me when a woman gets an engagement ring and shows it to her girlfriends and three of them have the exact same ring on. Engagement rings are such a personal selection and an emotional experience, the ring needs to be something that will last a lifetime."Case says he works with some 15 different kinds of metals, including platinum silver, two shades of white gold, three shades of yellow gold, as well as peach gold, green gold and other metals.Some pieces are ready-to-wear, but others are made exclusively for customers who want unique pieces. Case also offers several different ring styles and metals as empty mountings; a customer tries on a mounting, and then drops different gemstones into the piece to create an individual look.Store hours are weekdays noon to 8 p.m., Saturdays noon to 6 p.m. Source: Jayson Case, Craft RevivalWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Preparing high school students for the knowledge economy

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October 14, 2010

Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) has received a $50,000 grant from the Michigan College Access Network to establish the Kent County College Access Network (KCCAN). According to Ruth Bishop, GRCF education program officer, this grant will support the high school counselors and local networks that coordinate the programs, services, and resources helping primarily low-income and first-generation students to pursue postsecondary educational opportunities. Bishop is quick to point out that the program is not only focused on four-year schools. "We use the word college, which is the word the national organization uses, because it is something everyone understands," says Bishop, "but these programs also support two-year schools and vocational training programs too." To accomplish their goals, the program will have services to help students navigate their way through the financial aid bureaucracy so they can access the money to continue their education. The programs will also consistently reinforce a strong message on the importance of continuing education and training beyond high school. "We want the individuals working with students to plant the college culture seed early," states Bishop. The Community Foundation will provide oversight to KCCAN. A team including individuals from youth-oriented nonprofits, K-12 and higher education and the private sector will lead the planning and implementation. A portion of the grant will also help hire a part-time coordinator to get the program up and running. For more information on this program, you can visit their website. Source: Ruth Bishop Writer: John Rumery

Midland developer plans $13M apartment project for historic Grand Rapids buildings

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October 7, 2010

If developer Karl Chew of Midland-based Brookstone Capital achieves his vision, three buildings in the heart of Grand Rapids' Heartside historic district will become 45 apartments, some with live/work options. Two attached buildings at 209 and 217 S. Division Ave. and another around the corner at 17 Williams St. SE were once warehouses for automotive supplies and have been vacant for several years, says Brookstone's Financial Manager Mai Dong. Water damage is extensive, she says, adding that Brookstone purchased the buildings and has no plans to sell them after the renovations. "We have a long-term, vested interest in the properties," Dong says. "When we finished 101 S. Division in June 2009, we received a lot of inquiries to occupy it even though it was already full. I think this [new project] will help to fulfill the housing needs in the area."The two S. Division buildings will offer 30 living spaces priced for entry-level incomes. Options include one- and two-bedroom loft apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and a few main level live/work units in what are now the buildings' retail spaces. The building at 17 Williams will become 15 loft apartments. Off-street parking on vacant property at 18 Williams will serve all three buildings. Dong says the project received state designation as a brownfield site, financial support from the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and will probably qualify for historic tax credits. Brookstone hopes to achieve LEED Gold status.In the last five years, Brookstone renovated 101 S. Division and Metropolitan Park Apartments at 350 Ionia Ave. SW into apartments. Source: Mai Dong, Brookstone CapitalWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Local firm looks for right combination of experience, technology skills, ambition and initiative.

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September 16, 2010

John Rumery A local technology, marketing and communications firm has not only weathered the recent economic storm, but continues to thrive by focusing on existing clients and helping them maintain and grow their services. To keep up with their growth, ddm marketing & communications is looking for an account manager and a front end CSS Developer. "For the account manager we are looking for someone with extensive experience working in an agency setting," states Paul Kortman, director of Online Marketing. Kortman indicates "our business has grown, primarily from existing clients who have seen the value in our services." Kortman explains that their team's technological and marketing expertise has helped many of their clients keep current and be more effective. However, finding the right people is not as easy as many might feel it would be in a job market where there are more "buyers" than "sellers." Kortman says, "we hired several people over the last few years, but it is tough to find the right fit. Some individuals have the skills, but the not the experience to keep up with our pace." Kortman also explains that in the online marketing world, everything is emerging and although individuals coming out of college may have working knowledge of many of the tools, they don't have the business experience or savvy to apply them in a business setting. His advice for someone graduating from school or trying to retool their skill set is to gain as much real world experience as possible. "It's nice if you can demonstrate your work in a portfolio, like a site you developed for your school organization, but even better would be if you can show how you contacted a business, developed their site and implemented some type of program. It's even better if you have done this multiple times." "We also value initiative," Kortman continues. "We look for experience, but realize in the area of social media marketing, so much is emerging. We look for ambition, the ability to learn and the ability to be flexible." The ddm marketing & communications firm has been around for 20 years and focuses on the education, financial and health care sectors. Its services include traditional marketing, hosting, custom applications and web development. To learn more about ddm marketing & communications you can visit their website. Source: Interview with Paul Kortman John Rumery is the Innovation and Jobs Editor for Rapid Growth Media. He is an educator, board member of AimWest, WYCE music programmer, entrepreneur, raconteur and competitive barbecuer living in Grand Rapids, MI. He can be reached at InnovationandJobs@RapidGrowthMedia.com For story tips you can e-mail info@rapidgrowthmedia.com

Kalamazoo restaurateur brings “beyond authentic” Thai dining to former Grand Rapids hotspot

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September 9, 2010

Deborah Johnson WoodKalamazoo restaurateur Billy Kue's Thai Cuisine is so successful he decided to expand his "beyond authentic" cuisine to Grand Rapids with the opening of a second eatery. Thai Cuisine, 48 W. Fulton St., occupies the space of former hotspot The Dragon Room and opened on Thursday, September 9.Kue and his family came to the U.S. in 1976 from the Laos-Thailand border region when Kue was about five years old. His family operated some street cafés in Thailand and opened restaurants in Troy and Ann Arbor after relocating. "People use the word authentic so much it doesn't mean anything anymore," Kue says, "so I use 'beyond authentic' to describe the cooking style I use that you'd find in Thailand."Kue says he created the restaurant as an upscale, romantic destination with an affordable menu – lunches start at $7, dinners at $10. White tablecloths, low lighting and soft music add to the ambience. Kue replaced the existing kitchen with a new one and imported décor and wallpaper from Thailand. Kue flavors the dishes with fresh herbs like lemongrass, chilies and lime leaves. While patrons can get traditional favorites like chicken fried rice, Kue has created a menu filled with dishes that fuse American ingredients with Thai flavors and cooking techniques."I have signature dishes with western ingredients like curried filet mignon and banana leaf sea bass with lemon leaves and ginger," he says. "There is no such thing as filet mignon or sea bass in Thailand."I've been trying to find a spot in downtown Grand Rapids since 2007," he adds. "I was waiting for the right location that would be a special place for special cuisine and not just another Asian restaurant."The city approved a liquor license and Kue expects to receive state approval soon. Hours are Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.Phone: (616) 233-0877.Source: Billy Kue, Thai Cuisine; Anne Marie Bessette, Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

$15M Bobville, $24M Health Park Central approved for brownfield abatements in Grand Rapids

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September 9, 2010

Deborah Johnson WoodThe City of Grand Rapids approved two proposed development projects with a combined investment cost of $39 million for brownfield redevelopment tax abatements last week. The $24 million entertainment and retail complex, Bobville, proposed by The Gilmore Collection, and the $15 million Health Park Central proposed by Health Park Central, LLC could generate an ongoing economic boost to the city, as well as dozens of jobs. Plans for the project dubbed "Bobville" include a new four-story mixed-use building adjacent to The B.O.B., and will feature retail, entertainment venues, hotel condos and packaged food manufacturing. The parcel, currently a parking lot, is contaminated "probably due to urban fill," says Kara Wood, city economic development director. The complex could create 150 jobs. "The lot was city-owned and sold to Greg Gilmore with a very specific development agreement," Wood says. "We're hoping Bobville will increase density in the downtown area and will provide a unique entertainment venue the downtown currently doesn't have."Health Park Central plans propose the renovation of an existing medical office building at 245 Cherry SE and construction of a second medical building. The large land parcel across from Saint Mary's Health Care includes 216 and 236 State St. SE and 114 and 120 Jefferson Ave. SE. The project is less than a block away from the $30 million Heart of the City Health Center currently under construction, and it will increase the availability of medical services and medical office space within steps of Saint Mary's Health Care campus."The city may be investing in this project with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act bonds we received," Wood says. "We got a total of $25 million and Health Park Central is asking for $8 million in bond allocation." The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority will support both projects with an as yet undetermined amount of tax increment financing, Wood says. Both projects will apply to the state for tax credits. "It's important to mention that even in these tough economic times, we're still able to put together strong public-private partnerships," Wood says.Source: Kara Wood, City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Office; Craig Clark, Clark CommunicationsRelated Articles Heartside's $30M Heart of the City Health Center breaks ground on national healthcare modelGrand Rapids sells property to Gilmore for proposed $5M festival marketplaceDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Grand Rapids Community College names new $34M campus, preps for main campus renovations

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September 2, 2010

Deborah Johnson WoodGrand Rapids Community College DeVos Campus is the new name of the former downtown Grand Rapids Davenport University campus purchased by GRCC in 2009. The DeVos and VanderWeide families contributed substantial gifts to the renovation of the campus, says Steven C. Ender, GRCC president. He did not indicate the amount of the donations.In addition to installing state-of-the-art Steelcase LearnLabs in two classrooms of Sneden Hall on the DeVos Campus, GRCC plans to renovate Warren Hall this winter for faculty offices and has relocated several departments – human resources, payroll, business and financial services, purchasing, and employee professional development and enrichment – to the new campus. That move frees up space in the College Park Plaza building on N. Division Avenue. The college will initially use the space for a staging area during the renovations of several downtown campus buildings, says Vicki Janowiak, executive director of operational planning. An August 25 press release states those buildings are the Peter and Pat Cook Academic Hall, the Main Building, and the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse."We're also going back through the main campus and installing new technology to upgrade the classrooms so faculty will have the type of instructional technology we're encouraging them to use," Janowiak says. "That will bring the entire college's technology up to a new standard level that each classroom should have."GRCC says the DeVos Campus renovation cost $34 million, $1.1 million less than the proposed cost of constructing a new classroom building. GRCC serves 30,000 students on seven Michigan campuses.Source: Vicki Janowiak, Grand Rapids Community College; Press Release from Grand Rapids Community CollegeRelated ArticlesRemodel of former Davenport Grand Rapids campus brings innovative classrooms to GRCC studentsDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Lunch meeting helps individuals and businesses engage with social media

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August 26, 2010

John RumeryLunch meetings can be as exciting as a peanut butter sandwich on white bread, but the organizers of Grand Rapids Social Media (GRSM)believe their lunches are much more interesting. In fact, they feel they have an opportunity to raise the bar regarding the way local businesses and individuals utilize social media in Grand Rapids.Ian MacLurg, Social Media Analyst for ArtPrize, and Joel Leo, SEO and Social Media Analyst for Pomegranate Studios, were both impressed with the format and spirit of a monthly lunch meeting, Grand Rapids Tech Lunch, that brought together a diverse community of thought leaders, programmers and software developers to discuss technology-related business issues for the region. MacLurg and Leo decided to organize a similar event, using the same format, but focusing on creating a business discussion surrounding the use of social media. "We saw the need to educate and elevate the usages of social media platforms within the city, so we started GRSM lunches as an opportunity to create an ongoing dialogue of these tools and strategies," opine MacLurg and Leo. The first meeting in March 2009 was held at Founders Brewery, but the series quickly moved to a new home at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, where the luncheons have proven to be very popular, now drawing 40-50 attendees. Not only has attendance been steady, but "with a diverse group of middle managers, business owners and interns," you get a very dynamic networking opportunity, says Leo.Individuals with specific experiences and responsibilities for managing various social media platforms lead the presentations. Recent speakers have included Sara Lopez, the Social Media Strategist for Stremick's Heritage Food's 8th Continent Soymilk, who discussed creating content for blogs, and Aaron Carriere of Creo Productions on best practices for using video with social media. The meetings are streamed live with the majority of video archived here. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/grsm.After the 20-30 minute presentation, there is a short question and answer period followed by an opportunity is to break into smaller groups for further discussion and networking. Because of the increased popularity of these events, MacLurg and Leo recruited social media consultant Donna Bova and web developer Doug Kelly to help with the facilitation and ongoing organization. The monthly lunches are "brown-bag," although the organizers suggest you support the local eateries surrounding the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. There is no cost to attend and they are typically held the last Thursday of the month. The GRSM bloghttp://grsml.wordpress.com/ identifies the upcoming speaker and also confirms the date of the meeting. Frequent Twitter updates (@GRSML) also provide reminders of upcoming events. Sources: Joel Leo and Ian MacLurg, founders of the Grand Rapids Social Media Lunch.John Rumery is the Innovation and Jobs Editor for Rapid Growth Media. He is an educator, board member of AimWest, WYCE music programmer, entrepreneur, raconteur and competitive barbecuer living in Grand Rapids, MI. He can be reached at InnovationandJobs@RapidGrowth.com. For story tips you can e-mail info@rapidgrowth.com