Downtown Neighbor News | January 2020

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January 2020

Happy New Year, Neighbors!

From all of us here at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Downtown Neighbor Network, we hope you have had a wonderful holiday season. As we begin the New Year, we want to take a moment to look at some things we are looking forward to in 2020.

Don't forget to share this newsletter and tell your neighbors they can sign up here. If you have any questions or feedback, just reply to this email. I'll get right back to you.

Annamarie Buller

Manager of Neighbor Experience
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Sneak Peek for Downtown Neighbors: The Prismatica Rainbow Light Installation

Downtown Grand Rapids will host a uniquely interactive Prismatica public art installation in the Monroe North neighborhood from January 17 to February 16, 2020.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS, we're organizing a sneak peek tour on the first day of the exhibit on January 17, 2020. We'll start with a happy hour at the SpeakEZ Lounge. Be among the first to see the rainbow light installation, get an overview of all programming planned for the World of Winter Festival and enjoy happy hour with your neighbors!

Space is limited. RSVP here.

Sign-Up: Action Planning for Change Workshop

We have an exciting FREE educational opportunity for Downtown neighbors!

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Downtown Neighbor Network will sponsor a cohort of 25 residents to complete the Action Planning for Change workshop on Saturday, January 25 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at our office at 29 Pearl St. NW, Suite 1.

This one-time workshop will provide support and brainstorming time around individual action plans regarding change in our local communities.

Learn how to tap into governmental institutions, entities of power and other networks to create productive change within your community.

Key city officials will be present for a panel discussion to give an inside scoop into the local government processes and assist in your journey of change.

Come with an idea of change you want to see in your community and be ready to work alongside community partners, residents and government representatives!

Click here to complete the sign-up form to enroll in the course.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Top 11 Projects To Watch in 2020

The State of Our Downtown 2019 video looks back on key progress made the last year and looks ahead to things to come in 2020.

The redevelopment of Van Andel Arena Plaza begins this summer.
Organizing partnerships to implement the first phase of improvements on Calder Plaza.
Construction bids are out to rehabilitate Lyon Square!
The Rapid Transit Laker Line is under construction and begins service this summer.
South Division reconstruction begins this spring.
Michigan and Bridge Street crosswalks are installed and making the streets safer!
Planting 100+ trees Downtown in collaboration with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.
New public restroom coming to South Division.
We remain in the largest parking construction boom in the history of Downtown, with 4,700 new parking spaces recently completed, under construction or in the development pipeline.
The relocation of insurance giant Acrisure, LLC's headquarters to Studio Park, with completion anticipated this year.
Tons of new businesses and housing are coming Downtown in 2020! A few highlights include Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge, Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine, Mel Styles, GRNoir Wine Bar, Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar, Arktos Meadery, Sparks BBQ, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, Wise Men Distillery, Texas de Brazil, K-Rok, Planet Fitness, The Canopy by Hilton at Studio Park, Bridge Street Lofts, the Meat Up Gastro Pub, Pinktail Poke and High Tide Soda in the Downtown Market, Poke Poke and Boba Shop at 2 Fulton and The Residence Inn by Marriott.

Events Downtown

The World of Winter Festival happens from January 17 to February 16, 2020! Come Downtown and enjoy frozen fun programming and events for the whole family.

Here are some FREE World of Winter events you won't want to miss this month:

The festival kicks-off with the Silent Disco at 555 Monroe Ave. on Saturday, January 18. Alcohol will be available for purchase and the event is for guests 18+ only.

Celebrate Asian-Pacific culture at the Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, January 25 at 555 Monroe Ave.

Go shopping and support local artists and businesses at World Market & Game Day on Sunday, January 26 at 555 Monroe Ave.

Watch summer-themed movies at Studio Park's new piazza at Movies on the Piazza on Saturday, February 1.

Visit worldofwintergr.com for a full list of World of Winter events.

Downtown Grand Rapids is an eventful place! If you want the full scoop on the entertainment scene, we encourage you to regularly check in at Experience Grand Rapids, GR Now, Kulture Vulture, the City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events, or Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.'s Facebook events calendar.

New Businesses Downtown

Leo’s Coney Island On Tap opened on January 4 at Studio Park.

The Brunch Lounge opened on January 9 at 122 South Division Avenue.

Oh, Hello Co Paper & Gifts opened on January 10 at 40 Monroe Center.

Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse opened on January 12 in Studio Park.

The Harris Building was recently remodeled! They're hosting an open house to show off their new space at 111 South Division Avenue.

Watercolors Aquarium Gallery is re-opening at a new location on February 1.

Building a Better Bus Stop: New Transit Bulb on Fulton St.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the City of Grand Rapids and The Rapid installed a transit bulb on Fulton Street this past December. The bulb extends the curb into the street and enables buses to pick up and drop off passengers without leaving the travel lane, saving valuable time and preventing traffic backups.

Scene Downtown

A gorgeous winter afternoon on Monroe Center Street.

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.