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  • 📍 Affordable housing on the river? | June 27th, 2025

📍 Affordable housing on the river? | June 27th, 2025

Plus, Richmond pool opens, GRPS approves a budget, and artist needed

Author

LeQwane Lynch
June 27, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and i’ve got an update on the Calder Crew Card.

Over the next week, I will finalize the last local restaurants that are participating in the project. So instead of launching this month, we’ll be looking at a mid-August launch.

I can confirm that the spots we have on board are GREAT.

Stay tuned, crew. More information is on the way. 🫡

~LeQwane L.

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Flash Sale

Together with: Uptown Cheapskate

On Tuesday (July 1st), all of Uptown Cheapskate’s “Stamped Clearance Items” are just $1, $2, $5, and $10!

This is the last chance to score these amazing summer clearance deals after this, they will be gone. You can’t beat Clearance as low as a buck. (Uptown Cheapskate Grandville and Kentwood locations only).

Want to highlight your business’s message here?. Learn more about our audience of 4,500+ locals and put in a request to talk.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Community

Richmond Park Pool Finally Opens

Good news for West Siders. Richmond Park Pool is officially open after delays. Crews installed new equipment, and now the pool’s ready just in time to help ease crowds at the city’s other pools. All local pools (Richmond, Briggs, and MLK Jr.) are now open Tuesday through Saturday. | More on the specific maintenance issues

Housing

Affordable Housing Breaks Ground In Wyoming

Construction is underway at Shea Ravines, a new affordable housing project in Wyoming designed to provide both housing and access to health care. The 56-unit apartment building is located next to Cherry Health Wyoming Community Health Center. And will have 1 -2 bedroom apartments with dedicated units for the homeless and people facing mental health challenges. The building is expected to open in fall 2026, with plans for an additional 56-unit expansion already. | Learn more

Development

Radisson Hotel To Become Apartments

Big changes are coming to the Radisson Hotel in Ann St. The hotel will soon be turned into 139 apartments, with plans to add another 60 units later where the banquet hall currently stands. Thanks to local developer Jack Hoedeman, who recently bought the property with a vision of putting affordable housing and retail space on the riverfront. | Read more

Education

GRPS Budget Approved

GRPS passed its new budget this week. It cuts about $17 million compared to last year due to rising costs and fewer federal dollars. Most savings came from infrastructure and administrative roles, while funds for teacher salaries saw a slight increase. The final vote was close, as community members and some board members voiced concerns about teacher pay and classroom resources. | Read more

GR History: Sweet’s Hotel

Courtesy of GRPM

Did you know that the Amway Hotel was once a hotel called the “Sweet’s Hotel”?

Well, sort of…

This photo of the Sweet’s Hotel is dated around 1872. This hotel was then replaced by the Pantlind Hotel, which was redesigned, renovated, and expanded to become today the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🖌️ Artist Needed

The City of Grand Rapids is looking for artists to participate in GR’s 17th Birthday commemorative posters competition. Anyone can participate as long as they submit original art (in good taste). The top 3 submissions will win $1,500 and $250 for second and third place.

🎞️ Sundance Film Gets Local Showing

A local film producer who premiered his movie at the Sundance Film Festival got to showcase the film last night at the AMC Theater.

📰 Put The Word Out

Share an announcement, special offer, or news about your business or organization in Calder News next. Talk to LeQwane to learn about how you can get your word out to 4,550+ locals.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, June 27th

Saturday, June 28th

Sunday, June 29th

Live Music

Friday, June 27th

Saturday, June 28th

Sunday, June 29th

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Outside The Plaza

Quick hits of news and happenings from cities around Grand Rapids

 

That’s All For Today…

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