The Near West Side district is located across the Grand River from Center City. The area is known for its working-class attitude, rich European traditions and, above all, resilience. The construction of the US 131 highway and Interstate 196 in the 1960's destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. It also scarred the heart and soul of a community. But today the Near West Side district is emerging as a much stronger and vibrant place than it was before the bulldozers. With Grand Valley State University expanding in the area; a thriving museum district; a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and locally run shops; as well as aggressive investment in unique urban housing ventures; the Near West Side now stands on the leading edge of Grand Rapids' evolution into a thriving 21st century city.
Manufacturing is evolving In West Michigan as companies adapt to dynamic supply chain challenges. Gentex and Davenport University are at the forefront, emphasizing innovation and resilience.
Community leader and activist Barbara Rapaport will receive the Ledy Award for Community Engagement for her work with nonprofits, promoting literacy and education and helping leaders optimize human capacity.
Finding a love for music at an early age, Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae was able to find her voice and share part of her story. Now, in her 20s, she is using her passion to help other musicians and amplify other stories and voices.
The world of design involves hard and soft skills, hands-on creativity and abstract vision. Here's how design is defined by the individuals who are doing the work in West Michigan.
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.
Improving old technologies with new is, in many ways, the heart of improving access for humans. It is also a great motivator for those with the talents to do so. Here are the people behind those efforts and why this work is so important to them and within the region.
In the age of the pandemic and growing digital platforms, the Grand Rapids music community looks to the future of music making and live performances.
In an innovative three-way partnership, the city of Grand Rapids, The Rapid and DTE Energy look to repurpose waste into renewable natural gas to fuel city vehicles. This initiative seeks to decrease carbon emissions and improve the community.
Three local organizations are working together to bring international artist, Kelsey Montague, to the West Side to complete a public art project. The grassroots project, which is expected to be completed by October, provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to support the barrier-free, neighborhood-enhancing beautification plan.
Whether in-person, hybrid or fully online, students, parents and educators are beginning a new school year. Rapid Growth Media photographer, Autumn Johnson, connected with a student as well as several teachers as they prepared for the upcoming year.
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