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  • 📍 Calder Plaza is getting a redesign | June 13th, 2025

📍 Calder Plaza is getting a redesign | June 13th, 2025

Plus, what's happening around Grand Rapids for Father's Day

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the 3x weekly newsletter covering all the good news and things happening around Grand Rapids.

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~LeQwane L.

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GR Asian-Pacific Festival Returns

Together with: GRAPF

The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival is back at Calder Plaza for a three-day (Today - Sunday) celebration of food, culture, music, and community.

  • Live cultural performances, music, and dance

  • K-Pop dance competitions

  • And interactive games, workshops, and family-friendly activities

Make this weekend a bit more enjoyable. Check out the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

City

Calder Plaza Redesign

Yesterday Mayor David LaGrand said it’s time to rethink Calder Plaza. Why? The space is currently an underused concrete space. While the city plans resurfacing next year, the mayor is pushing for bigger changes, like new green space, easier connections to Medical Mile and Monroe Avenue, and converting Ottawa Avenue into a two-way street. | Read more about the plans

Housing

New Townhomes: Creston Neighborhood

A local developer has plans to build 38 townhomes in the Creston neighborhood. Located at Dean Lake Avenue NE, The Wheeler Dev. Group said the community would feature two- and three-bedroom homes with garages, fenced yards, walkout basements, a clubhouse, and green spaces. Currently, the space is completely vacant, but will be purchased from local nonprofit D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s. Final plans will be submitted to the city in July. | Learn more about the project

Community

Burton Heights’ New Arts and Culture Hub

A local nonprofit called The Diatribe is transforming a vacant building in Burton Heights into the Emory Arts and Culture Hub. The new space on Division Avenue will host a performance stage, retail spaces, and affordable apartments—plus become Diatribe’s headquarters for youth arts programs. The organization still needs to raise over $2 million to finish construction but hopes to open this fall, creating a welcoming and creative resource for the neighborhood. | Learn how you can help

Safety

GRFD Warns of Lithium Battery Fires

Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids Fire Department hosted a presentation that urged caution around lithium-ion batteries. Scooters, phones, and other electronics powered by these batteries can explode or catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or overheated. At the event officials recommend charging devices away from flammable materials and never near beds. And if a lithium battery ignites, immediately leave your home—these fires spread fast and are hard to control. | Read more

Heads up:

Most City of Grand Rapids offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth Freedom Day. All Grand Rapids Public Library locations will be open.

Crew Highlight

This is our new section for reader-submitted shoutouts, stories, and opinions that lift up our community.

Author: Danielle

Shoutout: Flavors in Full Bloom at The Garden District

Named after New Orleans’ historic neighborhood, The Garden District has quickly become a downtown Grand Rapids favorite. They serve Cajun and Southern comfort dishes near Rosa Parks Circle.

The owners, Jessica and Raphael bring warmth and hospitality to every visit, recently launching a standout weekend brunch—including biscuits and gravy that might be the best this side of the Mississippi.

Their tree-shaded patio was especially serene with Monroe closed to vehicle traffic. Already fans of their dinner (tip: try adding Ă©touffĂ©e to your po’ boy) and excellent cocktails, we're planning another brunch visit next weekend as they expand their menu.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

đŸ—šïž Get The Word Out

Want to spread a good word about your company with 5,000+ GR locals? Reach out to LeQwane for details on how to be featured in Calder News.

🏼 Final Call: Lantern Festival’s

ICMYI: This is the last week of John Ball Zoo’s “Lantern Festival” for this season. The event is one of the zoo’s most popular events and is expected to return next year.

đŸ» Flanagan’s Temporarily Closes

Hold your beer, the popular Flanagan’s Irish Pub downtown has temporarily shut down after its liquor license was suspended for bounced payments. Things don’t seem to be all bad, as the pub plans to reopen soon.

 

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, June 13th

Saturday, June 14th

Sunday, June 15th

Live Music

Friday, June 13th

Saturday, June 14th

Sunday, June 15th

The Gaslight Anthem | The Intersection | 7 PM | $53

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

Outside The Plaza

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

That’s All For Today


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