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.
Stockbridge
Located on the flatlands of the lower West Side, the Stockbridge district is located immediately west of the Grand River and 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 Stockbridge district is emerging as a much stronger and vibrant place than it was before the bulldozers. With a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and locally-owned specialty shops, as well as aggressive investment in unique urban housing ventures, the Stockbridge area now stands on the leading edge of Grand Rapids' evolution into a thriving 21st century city.
West Side church agrees to sell, make way for condos
The administrator of Our Lady of Aglona Catholic Church has agreed to sell the small Latvian church on the West Side (507 Broadway Ave.) to developers who will build 52 townhouse condominiums. Developers already own options on 19 surrounding properties, needing the church and an attached building to complete the necessary acquisitions.
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.
Stockbridge development waits for church’s decision
Developers Larry Zeiser and Zack Zalar want to build a $10 million condominium project on the city’s West Side. But their property acquisition plans are on hold, waiting for the Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese’s decision to sell a small church in the middle of the planned development.
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.
Beating the City Heat
It's been HOT this summer. Rapid Growth managing photographer Brian Kelly spent a day at Garfield Park Pool to spotlight one of Grand Rapids' excellent city pools.Garfield Park Pool is truly a neighborhood oasis offering a wide variety of programs, loads of fun and cool, tastey waves
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.
West Michigan Pride moves to John Ball Park
The West Michigan Pride event moved from its previous location at the Calder Plaza to John Ball Park. Organizers said the park offered a more spacious and scenic setting and still drew a crowd.
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.
