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  • 📍 GR is getting an aquarium | May 19th, 2025

📍 GR is getting an aquarium | May 19th, 2025

Plus events and more

Author

LeQwane Lynch
May 19, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and if you ever get the chance to tell someone about our newsletter, please do it.

On Friday, a reader responded to one of those “What’s happening around town tonight” kind of social media posts with a referral link.

The result? A couple of dozen people who joined the Calder News fam.

My goal is to build our readership, so every person you can tell about the newsletter, the better.

Thanks for taking the time to check out today’s issue. I hope you have a great start to the work week. 🙂

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

City

GR Honors Local Historic Buildings

Grand Rapids is recognizing eight standout restoration projects this week for helping preserve the city’s historic charm. The Historic Preservation Commission will honor homes, commercial properties, and local leaders who’ve gone the extra mile to maintain and restore historic buildings across the city. Highlights include work at Innovation Central High School, the former Marywood Academy, and multiple locations on Wealthy Street. | View each location that’ll be recognized here

Housing

New Townhomes Coming to Wyoming

Construction is set to start on Wilson Crossings, a new 44-unit townhome project near Wilson Ave. and 64th St. Developed by Wheeler Development Group, the townhomes include upscale two and three bedroom homes, garages, a dog park, and outdoor community spaces. The first homes are expected to be ready by later this year. | Read more about the development

Development

John Ball Zoo’s Aquarium Plan

John Ball Zoo is moving ahead with plans to build an aquarium in GR, with an official waterfront site to be announced soon. Projections place the cost at around $370 million and a completion date for the aquarium to be around 2031. The facility will showcase local Michigan wildlife and popular marine life like sharks and stingrays, drawing visitors from around the Midwest. The hope — the project brings new tourism dollars, jobs, and community investments, positioning Grand Rapids as a major regional attraction. | Learn more about the plans

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Community Feature

Photo of downtown Grand Rapids | Taken by Charly Zamudio

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🌈 Rainbow Road Updated

The colorful street mural on Sheldon Ave, just in front of the main Public Library and GRCM, has been updated with a fresh set of paint. The mural celebrates LGBTQIA+ history and pride in the city.

🍔 Goodbye Big Boy

The former Big Boy in downtown Grand Rapids is being demolished. The location closed in 2023 after opening its kitchen ~60 years ago. The space will make way for the new $175 million soccer stadium that’s being built in its place.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Monday, May 19th

  • Magic on Fulton Street | Fulton Street Pub and Grill | 5 PM - 9 PM |

  • Euchre Night | Harmony Brewing | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

  • Summer Concert | The Circle | 7 PM - 9 PM | $25 tickets | Summer road trip as we take a musical journey across the country

  • Karao-KiKi | The Apartment Lounge | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to participate

  • Trivia

Tuesday, May 20th

Wednesday, May 21st

Events Happening All Week

Live Music

Monday, May 19th

Tuesday, May 20th

Ice Nine Kills | GLC Live | 6 PM | Starting at $70

Wednesday, May 21st

Ellis Bullard | Tip Top | 7 PM - 10:30 PM | $15 or $20 at door

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

Outside The Plaza

Quick hit of news from cities around Grand Rapids

That’s All For Today…

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