Uncorking Citywide Sustainability
Corky Overmyer became the Grand Rapids' first 'Sustainability Manager' on July 1, 2006. His charge: reinvent the city.
South Division
With the addition of Michigan's first Bus Rapid Transit line, and the rich cultural diversity of surrounding neighborhoods, the South Division corridor holds promise as an up and coming place to call home.
The Dawn of Electric Mobility
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?
Horsin’ Around Town
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
