Spectrum Health has earned state approval to perform adult bone marrow transplants in Grand Rapids, the first medical facility in West Michigan to win that status. The approval means that local families no longer have to endure long journeys to visit loved ones involved with the procedure.

An aging vacant wood-frame building near the historic section of Holland has been transformed into a real delight for hungry visitors with its newest arrival: the Blue House Bistro. Diners can choose from a large and tasty selection of Cajun, Creole, American and Mediterranean dishes, including Greek and Spanish, which are unique to the Lakeshore area.

Deborah Johnson WoodA walk-in wine cellar greets diners as soon as they walk through the doors of Theodore's, but the aroma of gourmet dishes for vegans and meat-lovers alike is what beckons them in to enjoy an intimate dining experience. Theodore's at 217 E. 24th St. is a new addition to Baker Lofts, which also houses Baker Lofts Events Center banquet facility and Deli Joe's – all owned by Scott Bosgraaf. Executive Chef Eric Fick is the mastermind behind the menu, with creations that include shared plates, the house specialty chicken pâté that changes daily, and delectable entrées like bourbon braised filet mignon and rack of lamb with pomegranate glaze. Vegetarian offerings include eggplant with puff pastry and tomato saffron sauce. "We have a walk-in wine cellar, but we're not a high-end pretentious place," Fick says. "I have cooked for two people on a Wednesday night for a 30th wedding anniversary. We have vegan offerings and will cook anything to order."As for the wine selection, sommelier Michael Sweeney says he has "30 wines by the glass from $5 to $8.50 a glass, and bottles in those categories from $20 to $34." Number of wines to choose from? Right now, about 600.The cellar list features a number of '89, '94 and 2000 Bordeaux, a '96 Dom Pérignon which Sweeney say is "one of the best vintages of the century for Dom Pérignon" and retails at $400, and a "big group of California Cabernet 'cult wines' like Harlan, which sells for $2,500 a bottle."Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 7 p.m. with a wine tasting and a limited menu of shared plates; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight with a full menu. Source: Eric Fick and Michael Sweeney, Theodore'sDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Development News tips can be sent to [email protected].

Deborah Johnson WoodA new concert venue complex proposed for downtown Grand Rapids has received the stamp of approval from Grand Rapids' Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority. A couple more hurdles to clear and Pyramid Scheme at 68 Commerce Ave. SW and a restaurant, brewery and pub in the adjoining 62 Commerce can begin construction for a projected 2011 opening. Pyramid Scheme is a partnership between brother-sister duo Jeff and Tami VandenBerg, owners of The Meanwhile bar, and HopCat owner Mark Sellers. They plan to develop 68 Commerce into a 400-person capacity concert venue and a neighborhood bar. The DDA awarded a $50,000 Building Reuse Incentives Program grant earlier this month toward the redevelopment of the building and also approved liquor licenses for both buildings. Mark Sellers is the sole developer of the adjoining building, 62 Commerce. He proposes development of Beatnik Brewing, which includes a restaurant, banquet facility, and, according to the brewery's Facebook page, a bowling alley. A rooftop deck atop the concert hall next door at 68 would be accessed via a door from the second level of 62.The planning commission approved the redevelopment of both buildings this week.Sellers said in an email that he still needs to procure funding for 62 Commerce and get approval for the rooftop deck from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC has approved the concert venue's new façade, says Tami VandenBerg. VandenBerg says the purchase and development of the concert venue will run about $1.5 million."This is something we (Jeff and Tami) wanted to do even before we opened The Meanwhile," she says. "We love music and have gone to shows in Detroit and Chicago and have always wanted to bring shows and bands here. We're doing this to bring more jobs and activity downtown, and to make the city a better place to be so that people stick around."Lott3Metz is the architect for the project.Source: Tami and Jeff VandenBerg, Pyramid Scheme; Mark Sellers, HopCatRelated ArticlesRock solid: entrepreneurs propose Pyramid Scheme for downtown Grand Rapids Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Development News tips can be sent to [email protected].

The Muskegon Chronicle reports that another wind developer has entered the fray surrounding development of wind farms in Lake Michigan, saying it's waiting to move ahead on specific plans until after the state develops regulatory rules. According to excerpts from the story:There's more than one offshore wind developer interested in West Michigan. Scandia Offshore Wind -- a joint U.S.-Norwegian development company -- has generated controversy with its plans for wind turbines in Lake Michigan off Grand Haven and Pentwater. But Scandia isn't alone in planning for wind farms in Lake Michigan. NRG Bluewater Wind also is interested. Bluewater is owned by New Jersey-based NRG Energy, an energy producer with $9.5 billion in annual revenues. Bluewater is developing wind farms on the East Coast but has been actively involved in Michigan's exploration of Great Lakes wind farms since early 2009. Bluewater Great Lakes Director Mike O'Brien introduced his company to West Michigan officials at an offshore wind briefing this week for business and industry at Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon. O'Brien said his company has a different "methodology" than Scandia, which has been pushing a specific West Michigan wind development plan since December. Read the complete story here.

Davenport University is trying to help the unemployed and underemployed launch new careers by giving them a break with tuition costs. The college announced it will discount tuition by 25 percent to students who can show documentation of their work status.