Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — it’s the middle of the week, the weekend’s already peeking over the horizon.
But until then, there’s plenty of local updates to keep you moving strong!
I hope you’re having a great work week so far.
~LeQwane L.
Charity of The Week
Gold Coast Doulas is hosting its annual diaper drive to support families in need, with donations benefiting the Nestlings Diaper Bank of West Michigan and the Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County.
You can drop off diapers or wipes at…
Baby Beloved (233 Fulton St E)
Rise Wellness (1005 Lake Dr SE)
Hopscotch Children’s Store (909 Cherry St SE)
Mind Body Baby Collective (2422 Burton St SE)
Advent Physical Therapy
Mindful Counseling GR.
Learn more or give online here.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
Riverfront Housing Project Moves Forward
A new affordable housing project has made progress. The $20–30 million project at Market and Wealthy will replace a city-owned lot with an 80-unit, six-story building that includes two levels of parking and a public plaza along the Grand River. Since I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, the design was adjusted to feature food truck hookups, outdoor seating, green space, and a small amphitheater instead of a large parking lot. With the changes, the city has given a green light to the project. | Read more
Business
The El Matador Tortilla Chip Plant Was Sold
Van Eerden Foodservice has acquired the El Matador tortilla chip plant located on MLK Jr. Street SW for ~$3 million. The facility will stay home to El Matador, which has been making chips here for 50 years. The local family-run distributor is headquartered just a block away, with this purchase expanding their operations. | Read more
Fun
GR Launches Beer To Celebrate 175 Years
In collaboration with City Built Brewing, the city of Grand Rapids has rolled out a special lager to celebrate its 175th anniversary. You can try the new beer on tap or by the can at City Built or at select bars around town… I don’t drink, but I’m definitely buy this one for the vibes. | View where to buy
Transit
Closures Coming To I-196/US-131
Starting Sept. 22nd, a $1.3 million repair project will close ramps and lanes at the I-196/US-131 downtown. The ramp from westbound 196 to southbound 131 will be shut through late October, and eastbound lanes will close for two weekends. | View Closure Map
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Incubator Program For Shops
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Arts Marketplace are teaming up on a new Retail Incubator Program to help local entrepreneurs go from idea to storefronts.
The purpose of the program is to attract and retain new businesses downtown.
It’ll offer affordable space inside Arts Marketplace, plus help with business planning, training, and mentorship from established downtown business owners.
Applications are now open for anyone ready to take the next step toward opening a downtown shop.
Talk Of The Town
👕 Vintage Drop
Uptown Cheapskate, a locally owned thrift store, is hosting a vintage clothing drop (2000s graphic tees, denim, boots, etc) on Saturday at their location on 28th Street and in Grandville.
🇺🇸🇿🇦 New African American Museum
Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives moved into a new building at 41 Sheldon St. SE. The new site gives the org more space to preserve, share, and amplify African American history.
🧑💻 Tech Takes Over GR
September 15th - 20th is Tech Week in Grand Rapids. The event brings 100+ events to our city, giving you a way to explore, connect, and create tech around the community.
Business Openings:
B.C. Pizza - On Monday, Eastown welcomed a new pizza shop (313 Division Ave. S)
Dolly’s Delights - The South Division retail corridor has a new spot to get sweet treats from cheesecake jars to banana pudding (1551 Wealthy St.)
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday, September 17th
Guardians of the Collectibles Toy Show | Legion Post 179 | 10 AM | $3
DisruptHR | Rapid River Stillhouse | 2 PM | $44
Start Garden Demo Day | GLC Live | 5 PM | ?
Thursday, September 18th
Poutine Week | Various Locations | (9/18 - 10/4)
Lunch At The Park | Rosa Park Circle | 11 AM - 1 PM
Wild Roots & Fall Foliage | Blandford Nature Center | 5 PM | $36+
Community Bike Rides | ECA Office | 6 PM | Free
Haunted Museum Adventure After Dark | GRPM | 7 PM | $55
Honkytonk Hollywood | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $38
A Night Market | Fulton St. Market | 7 PM
Friday, September 19th
CreativeMornings | SILVA | 8:30 AM | Free
FOUNDERS OKTOBERFEST | Founders Brewing | 11 AM | Free
ArtPrize Opening Celebration | Rosa Parks Circle | 4:30 PM | Free
Confluence | Downtown Grand Rapids | (Fri, Sat) 5 PM | Free
Michigan Apple Fest | 194 E Division St. (Sparta) | 5 PM
GR Hip Hop Awards | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM | $31
Movie night at the farm: Sandlot | Farmhaus Farms | 8 PM | Free
Live Music
Wednesday, September 17th
BRENA | The Score | 6 PM | Free
John Hayes | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM | Free
Tophouse | Elevation | 7 PM | $35
Thursday, September 18th
Immersive Harp Live Performance | Godfrey Ave SW | 5 PM
LVRS | Cherry Park | 6 PM | Free
Hazy Past | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Rin Tarsy | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
John Sanger | Michigan Moonshine Distillery | 7 PM | Free
Jazz Jam | Founders Brewing | 7 PM | Free
The Front Bottoms | The Intersection | 7 PM | $50
Vision Video + Panic Priest + Treasvre + Amaranth | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $33
Young The Giant: In The Open Tour + Cassandra Coleman | Fountain Street Church | 7 PM | $84
Friday, September 19th
Larry Lowis | The Score | 12 PM | Free
Wade Bowen | Elevation | 6:390 PM | $35
John Crist | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM | $69+
Wild Honey Collective and Roosevelt Diggs wsg Tony Halchak | Tip Top | 8 PM | $17
Kyle Brown | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
*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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