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Annamarie Buller
Manager of Neighbor Experience
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Help Build Better Streets Downtown
Starting Monday, December 9, the City of Grand Rapids will host a series of community conversations about the potential for future improvements to several streets Downtown, including key stretches of Fulton, Ottawa and Ionia. Key points of discussion include:
One-way and/or two-way street operations on Ottawa and Ionia
Rapid transit needs and performance in the areas
Opportunities to improve safety and access for people walking and bicycling, including the idea of a separated bikeway on Ionia
Community mobility needs associated with major events, especially near Calder Plaza and Van Andel Arena
Opportunities to beautify and “green” the corridors with trees, flowers, benches and other decorative or urban furniture elements
Can't make one of the open houses? Take the survey online in English or Spanish by Wednesday, December 11 at 11:59 PM.
Do Us a Favor?
Please take our survey and share your feedback on what matters most to you as a Downtown neighbor! Your input helps to guide the work of the Downtown Neighbor Network and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
As a thank you for your time, you will receive a $5 voucher for the YMCA Veggie Van and be entered to win 1 of 6 Downtown staycations - including an overnight hotel stay and gift cards to local restaurants.
The Portland Loo is a stand-alone public restroom facility that is highly durable and easy to maintain. The Loo design also prioritizes safety and has proven successful in similar climates, including Portland, Cincinnati and Vancouver.
The Loo will be installed at the intersection of Division Ave South and Weston (southeast corner), a location that provides ample space and lighting in a priority area lacking bathroom facilities.
This location also offers clear sightlines that make the service clearly visible to a wide variety of people utilizing the sidewalk, including bar/restaurant-goers, transit commuters, homeless, residents, tourists, etc.
How Would You Improve Local Transit?
The Rapid wants to know. Take this interactive survey and pick the improvements you think will help improve the bus system serving Downtown and metro GR.
Sneak Peek for Downtown Neighbors: A Modern Ice Palace
Downtown Grand Rapids this winter will host a uniquely interactive Prismaticapublic art installation in the Monroe North neighborhood.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS, we're currently organizing a sneak peek tour of the exhibit on January 17, 2020. We'll start with a happy hour at the SpeakEZ Lounge. Space is limited. RSVP here
Ice skating season kicks off on December 4 at noon! Downtowners can enjoy skating at Rosa Parks Circle through February 23, weather permitting.
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting happens on December 6 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Rosa Parks Circle.
The Grand Rapids Ball Drop returns Downtown for the New Year! Monroe Avenue will be closed from Michigan and Lyon Street for part of December 31 and January 1.
The work of remaking numerous Downtown bus stops began last month. The first batch of new shelters was deployed to improve the experience of people waiting for the bus in the rain, snow and wind. Just in time for winter!
Captured by photographer and Downtown resident Erika Townsley.
Downtown Neighbor News is presented by the Downtown Neighbor Network, a project organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. in collaboration with Downtown residents and neighborhood organizations.
