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.
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.
'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.
No doubt there are people of passion in the Grand Rapids art market. But it’s not just the artists.
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.
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.
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.
On September 6, 2006 United Airlines will launch service from Grand Rapids to Denver. The route is expected to be a major pathway connecting Grand Rapids to the western United States.
Cingular Wireless announced a $100 million plan to improve its network across Michigan, including a substantial investment in metro Grand Rapids. The company has already invested over $60 million in Michigan since it acquired AT&T Wireless more than a year ago.
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