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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Grand Rapids.
In fact, my goal is to give you just enough news to keep today’s water cooler conversations interesting.
~LeQwane L.
In today’s news:
👀 Developer eyes land for affordable housing
🥇 Best social services in the mitten
🛋 Retailer closing = fire sales
Plus tons of events and live music
Let’s get into it…
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What’s Happening
A briefing of local news that matters
Housing: Developer plans for affordable housing
A Grand Rapids developer is planning to build an affordable housing project near the amphitheater that’s coming downtown. The project would replace the parking lot at 427 Market near Wealthy. The developer thinks the space could feature 75-100 housing units.
Community: Best social services in the mitten
Local social services topped the ranks — Bethany Christian Services and Hope Network were ranked in the top 3 nonprofits in Michigan in 2023.
Deals: American Freight closing sale
American Freight is set to close all of its 328 locations — the good news? The company is dishing out massive deals on furniture. New items from their warehouse are being shipped to the storefront every day, so if you’re in the market for furniture, it may be worth checking out while the (good) supplies last. Click here to learn more.
Roads Downtown opens up
After being under construction since July, the Division and Fulton intersection is set to open on Friday. However, the job isn’t done yet. Another part of Division will close sometime in 2025.
Ask GR
It's that time of the year when random roads will go under construction at random times.
So I wanted to take a moment and ask…
Do road closures ever catch you off gaurd? 🚧
The results of this poll will be included in Friday’s email ⏳
Community Feature
Double rainbow following Sunday’s rain | Courtesy of Gary Swets
Cold and rainy days are bleak. But if I have to muscle through those to get a chance to see more of these — I’m game.
Events
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday
Hockey: Griffins vs Rockford Icehogs | Van Andel Arena | 11 AM | Starting at $20
Conversation about cancer/nutrition | Van Andel Institute | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Karaoke Happy Hour | Multiple Locations | 6 PM - 8 PM | $25 | Broadway GR invites you to unleash your inner star at Broadway Karaoke
Project Night Lights | Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
Thursday
Adult Workshop: Intro to applique | GR Art Museum | 5 PM - 8 PM | $45
Nurse Blake (Comedy) | GLC Live | 6 PM | Starting at $30
Bricks & Beers | Broad Leaf Brewery | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | $30 | Unleash your inner LEGO while spending the evening with a friend or family member
Drag McQueen Show | GR Art Museum | 6 PM - 9:30 PM | Starting at $10
Trivia Night | Kusterer Brauhaus, Perrin Brewing | 7 PM | Free
Big Fish - The Musical | GR Christian HS | 7 PM - 10 PM | $12
Pete Lee (comedy) | Dr Grins | (Thur - Fri) 8 PM | Starting at $30
Friday
Christkindl Markt 2024 | Downtown Market | Various times | Free
Merry Market GR | (Fri - Sat) ST. Nicholas Cultural Center | Free
Grand Rapids Comic Con | (Fri - Sun) DeVos Place | 12 PM - 7 PM | Starting at $7
Annual Tree Lighting | Tanger Outlets | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free
Hockey: Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $30
GR Symphony: South American Heat | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | Starting at $19
Live Music
Wednesday
SonReal (Hip-hop) | The Stache | 6:30 PM | $26 adv/ $30 door
Thursday
Nick Foresman | Beer City Bread | 6 PM | Free
Serita's Black Rose (Funk/Jazz) | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
KIDD G (Country Hip Hop) | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $27 adv
LowDown Brass Band (Soul) | Midtown GR | 6 PM | Starting at $28
Friday
Big D & The Kids Table (Ska punk) | The Stache | 6:30 PM | $25 adv
Flatland Cavalry | GLC Live | 7 PM | Starting at $40
Hackensaw Boys (Americana) | Tip Top Bar | 8 PM | $20
Nekter (Techno) | The Mint | 9 PM | $15 adv/ $25 door
Funkle Jesse (Punk rock) | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
3 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
Michigan: The state of Michigan is considering new laws to lower the use of addictive social media apps among kids.
Kalamazoo: The Kalamazoo State Theatre is pausing operations while it looks for new ownership. The theatre will stop operating on November 24th.
City: The best New Year’s Eve Party in town — Ludington made an appearance on USA Today’s 10 best NYE ball drop celebrations.
That’s All For Today…
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