Giving Away in Grand Rapids
Whether it's a $5,000 grant to lift up a neighborhood association or three-quarters of a million dollars to renovate an old building, a determined culture of giving has helped set the stage for Grand Rapids' renaissance.
John Ball Park
Housing at All Costs
From a million-dollar high-rise condo unit to luxury lofts, upscale options are adding diversity to the central city's housing market and making the area a stronger and more attractive place to live.
New GRPS superintendent visits Sibley, promotes new $10 million school
New Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor burned plenty of shoe leather in a door-to-door campaign to promote the new $10.3 million Sibley Elementary school. The effort gave Taylor a chance to introduce himself to the community and promote the importance of high attendance on the first day of school.
Welcome to Green Building Capital, USA
From water-free toilets to rooftop gardens, green design has quickly emerged as the new regional standard for developing sustainable buildings. Columnist Tom Leonard explains why, more and more, developers choose to go green.
Beating the City Heat
It's been HOT this summer. Rapid Growth managing photographer Brian Kelly spent a day at Garfield Park Pool to spotlight one of Grand Rapids' excellent city pools.Garfield Park Pool is truly a neighborhood oasis offering a wide variety of programs, loads of fun and cool, tastey waves
Defining ‘Sustainability,’ Grand Rapids Style
'Sustainability' is the word for the new millenium. The term is popping up everywhere. At community meetings. On corporate advertising. In political speeches. But what does it mean? Tom Leonard explains in the first of a series of regular columns exploring what the philosophy of sustainability means for the future of West Michigan.
City schools attracting more suburban students
The county’s school choice plan is making Grand Rapids Public Schools a destination for some suburban students. Though suburb districts still outpaced the city in attracting students under the school choice rules, the city did attract 84 new suburban students. School officials credit new programs and school investment.
State approves financial incentives for downtown housing
The Michigan Economic Development Authority joins the City of Grand Rapids and the local Brownfield Redevelopment Authority in extending tax breaks to two different apartment projects.
Grand Rapids Approves $15 Million Road, Sewer Investment
Grand Rapids city commissioners recently approved spending $15 million on four separate construction projects. The work involves modernizing sewer lines, resurfacing major roadways, and other repairs.
Education, innovation key to West Michigan’s economic success
Speaking to an audience at Grand Valley State University, Right Place President Birgit Klohs said education, innovation, and technology is key to West Michigan’s 21st Century prosperity.
