Heritage Hill is, quite literally, first class. With homes dating from 1848, Heritage Hill is the City of Grand Rapids' first residential neighborhood. In 1973, it became the city's first historic district. And today Heritage Hill remains one of the largest urban districts in the United States. The Meyer May, Frank Lloyd Wright's first commission in Michigan, is just one premier attraction. The neighborhood boasts hundreds of architecturally significant structures and more than 60 distinct architectural styles. Enthusiasts can take a self-guided walking tour or join the highly popular annual two-day public tour hosted by the neighborhood association in October. Located immediately east of the central city, Heritage Hill was once home to the entrepreneurs, educators, and politicians that shaped the city. The neighborhood today remains equally diverse and prestigious.
What makes a city a home? And, specifically, what makes Grand Rapids a place where people want to lay down roots? Or, on the other hand, want to leave? Current and former Grand Rapidians, from CEOs and entrepreneurs to musicians and retirees, weigh in on what our city does well to make people stay — and what it could do better.
Latesha Lipscomb isn't just making Grand Rapids a happier home for many in the city, she's showing the world how things get done. Along with working as a housing advocate for the Inner City Christian Federation, Lipscomb empowers women through her work at POSH Innovative Event Management, runs a successful makeup business, and leads others on the Seeds of Promise Entrepreneurial Impact Team.
As we bid adieu to 2015 and welcome another turn around the sun, Grand Rapidians who are changing and shaping our city share what they hope will happen in 2016.
If you love your work, it isn’t work. That’s the spirit Dr. Keli Christopher maintains in her role as founder and head educator of Mind Boggle. Read more about her efforts to emphasize STEM education in this story by UIX Editor Matthew Russell, with images by Steph Harding.
Chris Wagner is building communities, both literally and figuratively, with his team of minority contractors in the EZ Construction Network. By using talented workers within the job site neighborhoods, Wagner is able to bolster careers while building homes where they're most needed. Story by UIX Editor Matthew Russell with images by Steph Harding.
When local authors Betty Epperly and Deb Moore sat down to write about local individuals whose lives have been changed by their interactions with West Michigan nonprofits, they discovered a ripple effect. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen gets the story behind the stories in a book that's a must-add to your holiday shopping list for people who care.
Lead poisoning interferes with brain development, causes life-long brain damage, and poor physical growth and development. It contributes to social, behavioral and school problems, and learning disabilities; and can even cause death. As Grand Rapids continues to restore its historic neighborhoods, 'Get the Lead Out!' is raising awareness of the dangers associated with lead-based paint chips and dust.
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