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.
St. Anthony of Padua parish rectory is 1of only 7 residential buildings in the country to be LEED certified. Rockford Construction reused architectural salvage and installed energy efficient systems to achieve the recognition.
The West Side has survived devastating floods, invasive highway projects, and factory closings. So what could possible be next? How about a housing boom.
Market trends for medical devices indicate global demand will triple over the next few years. Two Grand Rapids manufacturers, Atek Medical and Sterile Systems, Inc. are poised to tap the market.
Corky Overmyer became the Grand Rapids' first 'Sustainability Manager' on July 1, 2006. His charge: reinvent the city.
The movement to achieve sustainable development continues to grow across west Michigan. The Community Sustainability Partnership has attracted nearly 100 members in less than a year.
Throughout its history, the City of Grand Rapids has stood at the forefront of transportation design and innovation. So what's next for Michigan's second largest metro area?
Tired of wood plank roads and muddy walks around town, Grand Rapids embraced horse-drawn street cars near the end of the 19th century. The move set the stage for a monumental transformation from primitive frontier town to modern American city.
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.
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.
Our Partners
