Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News. We’re halfway through the work week, so I won’t hold you with a long intro today.
So let’s skip to what’s happening around town. 🏃♀️
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
New Townhomes in Roosevelt Park
A 21-unit affordable townhome project called Flower Hill is planned for Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW (in the site of the former Tacos El Cunado). Given that the project receives final approval next month, when finished, it’ll feature two-bedroom homes, a shared community space, and some income-restricted units. | Read more
Professionals
Commerce Club Coming to Downtown
A new private social and business club is planned for 61 Commerce. Following renovations next year, the location will feature a cafe, overnight suites, a gym, coworking areas, and a speakeasy-style lounge, along with a full restaurant exclusively for its members. The site is expected to open mid next year. | Read more
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Now, back to the neeeewwsss…
Civic News
The Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting took place yesterday.
Here’s a quick recap of some of the important bits:
🎆 Fireworks For Winter Events → The city has approved multiple indoor firework permits for upcoming events like TSO, The Nutcracker, Jonas Brothers, WWE SmackDown, and the Griffins’ games.
🛡️ Cure violence renewed → A $750K agreement was approved for the Grand Rapids Urban League to continue running the Cure Violence program.
🗑️ Single hauler debate → Lots of talk around eliminating private haulers and transitioning to a single citywide system. The top concerns were public feedback, equity impacts, environmental benefits, market competition, and lessons from other cities.
🧑⚖️ City Attorney Search Process → A budget, timeline, and tentative public input meeting for the hiring process of a new city attorney were set.
Makerspace Opens in Walker
Grand River Markerspace | Courtesy: Grand River Markerspace
A new creative hub just opened in Walker.
Grand River Makerspace is now welcoming makers, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs to its 3,000 sqft workshop at 25 North Park St. NW.
Members get access to 3D printers, laser cutters, an electronics lab, woodworking tools, and hands-on DIY classes.
The non-profit community space is open Tuesday - Thursdays from 3 PM to 9 PM to individuals or families who want a space to connect with others and create.
Maker space is hosting an open house on Dec. 5th - click here for details.
Talk Of The Town
🛍️ Downtown Market Peaks (again)
With the addition of Maynmar Meals, a Burmese and Cantonese restaurant, the Downtown Market has reached its full food hall capacity with 21 businesses.
✨ Highlighting Growth
Earlier this week, Experience GR released a video that highlights seven major developments happening in town. The projects are expected to bring upwards of $1.2B in economic growth.
🐶 Puppers Galore
Humane Society West Michigan has a ton of dogs (puppies to seniors) available for adoption right now. So if you’re looking for a new best friend, check them out.
Talking Shop
🧁 Slutty Buns → The viral cinnamon roll kitchen is set to launch in Chef Shack with a soft opening this Friday.
🍚Adobo Boy → Popular food truck and pop-up restaurant Adobo Boy is expecting to soft-launch in a brick-and-mortar facility soon.
What’s Happening?
Wednesday, November 19th
CHRISTKINDL MARKT | Downtown Market | All day | Free
Man V. Machine | Dog Story Theatre | 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM | $20
Corewell Healthy Community Resource Fair | The Rapid | 12 PM - 3 PM | Free
Midtown Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting | 7 Monks | 6:30 PM | Free
Boots & Beats | Villa Bar & Banquet | 8 PM | $10
Thursday, November 20th
Comedy: David Nihill | Dr. Grins (The BOB) | (Thu - Sat) Various times | $29+
Santa | Downtown Market | 4 PM | Free
Cozy Movie Night | GR Children’s Museum | 4 PM - 8 PM | $3
November Craft Club | Oh Hello Paper & Gifts | 5 PM | Free\
Neighborhood Social | East Hills | 6 PM | Free
Bert Kreischer | Van Andel Aerna | 7 PM | $50
Friday, November 21st
The Tempest Ballet | Calvin University | (Fri,Sat) Various show times | $45
CreativeMornings | Civic Theatre | 8:30 AM | Free
GR International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival | DeVos Place | (Fri, Sat) 4 PM, 2 PM | $25+
Friendsgiving | FIKA | 4:30 PM | ?
Hustle Explosion | The Kroc | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Christmas Light Drive Thru | Everett’s Gardens (Byron Center) | (Fri, Sat) 6 PM - 8 PM | $10
World of Wizarding | Servant’s Church | (Fri, Sat) 6 PM | $10
Ice Guru Silent Disco | Blue Bridge | 6 PM | $6
Country Dance Night | The Grand | 6 PM | ?
Vintage Parlor Orchestra | Wealthy Theater | (Fri, Sat) 7 PM | $28
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Charlotte Checkers | Van Andel Arena | (Fri, Sat) 7 PM | $28+
A Porch Sit And A Street Parade | Alger Park Church | 7:30 PM | Free
Comedy Hour | Founders | 10 PM | $20
Live Music
Wednesday, November 19th
Twilight Tunes Dueling Pianos | Downtown Market | 6 PM | Free
Saintseneca + Radiator Hospital + Vagabonds | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $23
Saintseneca, Radiator Hospital, Vagabonds | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $23
Thursday, November 20th
Ingested | The Stache | 5:30 PM | $30
Kyle Brown | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
Ha Ha Tonka and Issac Berkowitz Trio | Tip Top | 7 PM | $17
The Chamber Music Society | St. Cecilia | 7:30 PM | $30+
Sippy | Elevation | 8 PM | $28
Candlelight: 90s Unplugged | Wealthy Theatre | 8:45 PM | $18
Friday, November 21st
The Polar Express in Concert | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM, 2 PM | $50+
Simply In Time | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Jackyl | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $28
Kevin Reeves | Downtown Market | 7 PM | Free
The Night Owls and The Thomas Tran Quartet | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
GRCC Musical Moods Collage Concert | NE GR | 7:30 PM | $8+
EATER | The Stache | 8 PM | $15
Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
Cozy Worldwide | Elevation | 9 PM | $14+
Klay N' The Mud | Log Cabin | 9 PM | Free
Wilson Ave & New Troy | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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