12 ‘transformational’ projects identified by Grand Rapids economic development group

[DetroitMan]

Glad to see Grand Rapids civic groups being so proactive. Grand Rapids is truly one of the rising stars of the Midwest

12 ‘transformational’ projects identified by Grand Rapids economic development group

“If we want to attract the businesses of tomorrow and we want to attract the talent of tomorrow, we need to continue that work on creating that sense of place that is West Michigan that makes us unique on the global landscape,” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place.

Here’s the list of projects identified by The Right Place:

• Convention Center Expansion and Hotel: “A recent Destination Asset Study by an independent firm recommended a 400 room, 40,000 square feet meeting space, 20,000 square feet ballroom hotel for Grand Rapids. Additional recommendations include a 115,000 square ft. expansion of the DeVos Place convention center with new A/V technology investments.”

• Countywide Affordable Housing: Create a countywide housing strategy to address a shortage of affordable housing throughout Kent County.
  Downtown Post Office Relocation: “The relocation of the downtown riverfront mail processing center at 225 Michigan St. NW.”

• Grand Rapids Aquarium: “Develop one of the top aquariums in the US with over 1,000 unique species situated on 10 acres.”

• Grand River Greenway Initiative: “Transform the Grand River waterway and waterfront in Kent County’s urban core into a 5-mile outdoor recreation corridor.”

• Grand Rapids Community College Public Safety Training Center: “This center will accommodate comprehensive public safety training needs. It will include a classroom building, a large bay area for public safety vehicles, a burn tower” and more.

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport Control Tower Relocation: “A project to move the air traffic control tower from its current location atop the airport terminal to the east side of the airfield to allow for diverse terminal-area developments and to bring it up to Federal Aviation Administration standards.”

• Grand Valley State University Digital Learning Epicenter: GVSU’s proposed new digital learning initiative will include digital production labs, fabrication labs, start-ups, co-working spaces, and collaboration studios. Located on the GVSU Grand Rapids campus, the Center will support student, community, and business interaction.

• Market Avenue Gateway: “A comprehensive vision for future development on the east bank of the Grand River between Fulton and Wealthy Streets, transforming it into a showcased, sustainable district that connects and serves a diverse community.”

• Michigan State University Innovation Center Campus Expansion: “Expanding the Grand Rapids Innovation Park to create two world leading centers of excellence Big Data/AI Focused on Health Disparities and Cancer Research focused on Disparities and Health Equity.”

• Outdoor Amphitheater: “The development of a 14,000-seat amphitheater in downtown along the Grand River that would be owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena/Authority.”

• Soccer Stadium: “Secure a USLC franchise for Grand Rapids and construct a stadium with total seating capacity of 7,000 seats.”

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rap...ent-group.html