West Grand

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.  

The New Flavor of Business

Not only is the sustainability movement for real, Tom Leonard counts six ways it's becoming an inevitable revolution.

Eastern Floral aims to tap convention business, brownfield program

Grand Rapids’ growing convention business includes groups interested in floral arranging and interior design. A move to the city’s west side will bring Eastern Floral closer to those visiting groups who want to tour their showroom.

Webcast to highlight GVSU sustainability projects

Many college campuses are living out a call to create environmentally sustainable operations and classrooms. Students, administrators, and faculty from four major colleges and universities will discuss strategies and projects on a two-hour webcast.

Boxing gym brings health and fitness business to West Side

With fitness on many people’s mind today, having a facility easily accessible to downtown workers and residents is an important asset. With a focus on teaching the physical benefits of a boxer’s technique, this west side gym is benefiting men and women across the city.

Stars Align for Kids in GR

Brian and Kathleen Kelly are fortunate to have friends like best-selling author Mitch Albom and rock star Brian Vander Ark. They're leveraging those friendships to raise $100,000 for DeVos Children's Hospital. 

Where The Jobs Are

College students tend to think there's a shortage of jobs in metro Grand Rapids and across Michigan. Turns out that's simply not true.

At 391 feet, River House set to become state’s tallest residential building

Condo buyers are no longer just the empty nest crowd. With one-quarter of the buyers in the 18 to 30 age group, and over one-half of its units sold, River House is on the rise.

American Seating replaces 12,000 damaged seats in Superdome

American Seating seats have been part of the Superdome since it opened in 1975. After Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc, the Grand Rapids company was once again called upon, this time to replace thousands of damaged seats before the stadium's reopening.

Sport Fishing in the City

The salmon are running!  Grand Rapids offers some of the best fishing in Michigan.  Many are surprised to find out the hot spots are right downtown amongst our city of bridges spanning the Grand River.Rapid Growth Managing Photographer Brian Kelly explores the annual run with with his camera

West Side gets unique high-security storage facility

A new West Side company enables customers to utilize safe, secure off-site storage for everything from Christmas decorations to patio furniture without ever leaving home. Pickup and delivery are the key.

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