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  • 📍 GR coughs up $128M | March 12, 2025

📍 GR coughs up $128M | March 12, 2025

Author

LeQwane Lynch
March 12, 2025

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Good evening, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — bringing you everything you need to know about what’s happening around town in this mid-week update.

It’s been a long day for me (and you), so I’ll save the long intro and polls for another day. 😆

In today’s newsletter, you’ll read about a historic building being redeveloped, free movies, and of course, events happening throughout the work week.

I hope you’ve been having a great week so far, let’s jump straight into today’s issue!

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Housing

Fifth Third Meets Apartment Living

A historic building downtown is getting a new lease on life. Multiple floors of the Fifth Third Bank building near Calder Plaza will be converted from an office into 140 one and two-bedroom apartments. However, everything isn’t changing — the lower levels will remain office space. The new residential space will feature a lounge, event space, gym, indoor pickleball courts, a pool, golf simulators, pet washing stations, and even a paddleboard workshop. Construction on this project is expected to be completed by summer 2026. | Read more about the development here

Development

Two Major Projects Get Funded By GR

Grand Rapids has agreed to cough up public funding on two major projects. Earlier this week, the city commission approved up to $128 million of funding for the Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium. However, the funding isn’t a handout — although the funding is backed by Grand Rapids, its repayment will be made via revenues generated by increased hotel taxes. | Learn more about why the city-funded these projects

Community

Local Ministry Eyes New Community Center

Building the community — Bridge Street Ministries has launched a $1.1 million fundraising campaign to secure a home for its Resurgence after-school program in Burton Heights. The program started in 2024 and provides a Christ-centered environment for students, offering STEM, arts, cooking, and faith-led activities. | Learn how you can help

Get $5,000 Toward Your Community Event

On Monday, the city announced it is investing over $80,000 in 20 different community-led projects. The funding will provide GR community members with up to $5,000 to organize events/ community projects that bring the community together. | Have an idea of what you can do with this funding? Click here.

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🎥 Movies In the Park Returns

Movies in the Park (or Sunset Cinema) — a free outdoor movie series hosted at Studio Park is coming back this summer. And Celebration Cinema is looking for your suggestions on what movies they’ll show during the summer. Click here to make your suggestions (and learn more).

⛈️ Statewide Weather System Testing

April’s showers bring May’s flowers. Michigan is gearing up for Severe Weather Awareness Week by running a statewide tornado drill next week on wednesday (March 19) at 1 PM. Learn more about the tests here.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, March 12th

Thursday, March 13th

  • Daddy Daughter Date Night | Chick-Fil-A Walker | 5 PM - 8 PM | $10 | Enjoy an evening filled with fun activities, including face painting, a nail-painting station, and creative crafts

  • Tribute to Queen and The Beatles | Wealthy Theatre | 5:45 PM | Almost sold out

  • GR Rise vs. Columbus Fury | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $19

  • Opera is Lit | GRAM | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | $30 | Join musicologist Camellia Adams and the talented OperaGR singers and musicians as they dive into the literary and musical world of Richard Wagner

Friday, March 14th

  • Parallels | Godfrey Hollow (1111 Godfrey Ave SW) | 8:30 AM | Free | Aileen Strickland McGee is a constantly curious creative who seeks to better understand the interaction and experiences between humans, our environments, and the systems we create + operate within

  • St. Paddy’s Friday | Horrocks Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free | Celebrate St. Patrick's Day early at Horrocks Market with live music and Irish food

  • GR Griffins vs Milwaukee Admirals | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $19

  • GR Symphony: Take Me Out To The Ball Game | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM | Starting at $19

  • Dude Dad’s On Thin Ice | GLC Live | 8 PM | Starting at $60

Live Music

Wednesday, March 12th

Thursday, March 13th

  • Ben Erhart | Michigan Moonshine Distillery | 6 PM | Free

  • Judy Collins | St. Cecilia | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | $35 - $65

  • Slow Spell | Grand Rapids Public Museum | 7:30 PM | $24

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

That’s All For Today…

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