Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.
It felt weird not writing Tuesday’s newsletter! I’m glad to be back. I hope everyone had a restful and fun long weekend.
There’s so much restoration happening around the city, and I love how new amenities continue to honor our roots and history. Check out what’s changing at the river, a historic ballpark, and a neighborhood on the south side in today’s newsletter.
~Jenny F.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Parks
Ah-Nab-Awen Closed for River Work
Grand Rapids’ rapids have been missing from our Grand River for a while, but soon enough, the low-head dams will be removed and the rapids will be restored. Ah-Nab-Awen Park is the construction hub and will remain closed as the city prepares for in-river work. Read more here.
Community
Historic Ballpark Raises Restoration Funds
Westside’s Sullivan Field, formerly known as Valley Field, is one of the oldest ballparks in the state. Fans of Valley Field, the ballpark’s advocates, announced that they finally reached their fundraising goal to restore it to its former glory. See more details.
Development
15-Acre Development Starts Construction
Heritage Development Partners plans to transform 15 acres of GR’s south side into an expansive project called Factory Yards. The first phase of the construction is underway with a 22,000-square-foot office building. Apartments, commercial and retail spaces, and perhaps even a food hall are some of the possibilities for the site. Read more here.
Senior Living
Affordable Assisted Living Apartments Open
54 assisted-living apartments are now available at the new MoTown Square on Grand Rapids’ southeast side. Rent is based on the resident’s income, and some apartments are reserved for unhoused seniors in the area. See more details.
Have news to report? Click here.
Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
Lets say that hypothetically, our team has a new way to discover local job opportunities launching sometime next week.
Whether you’re actively, passively, or not really searching for a new career…
What level of job opportunities are you interested in discovering?
Bonus points if you let me know what type of roles we should scout for in your feedback — hypothetically, of course. ;)
~ LeQwane
Talk Of The Town
💧Tour the Filtration Plant
Have you always wondered how we turn lake water into drinking water? On Saturday, you can find out! The Lake Michigan Filtration Plant is offering free tours this Saturday.
⚠ Property Taxes Coming Soon
Keep an eye on your mailbox next month for your summer property tax bill. The City of Grand Rapids has a handy video to answer your questions ahead of time.
🦇 Rabies Found in Local Bat
If you have bats in your belfry, or really anywhere, be aware that a bat in the area recently tested positive for rabies. Protect your pets by keeping up on their vaccinations, and protect yourself by steering clear of wild animals.
Business News
✅ New
Thrifters in Caledonia will celebrate when they hear that Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids plans to build a new store in the area this fall.
Makers and newbies who are curious about clay can now check out the new Eastown Pottery Studio. The new studio, class, and community space is opening later today (Friday).
❗ Updates
CouCou Bakehouse, a popular pop-up bakery, has surpassed their Kickstarter goal of $70,000 for their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. They have a spot on Fulton already picked out.
What’s Happening?
Friday, May 29th
Dumpster Day | Boston Square Area | 8 AM | Free
Mini Chefs | GRCM | 9 AM - 11 AM | $3+
The Westside Wiffle Ball Classic | Sullivan Field | 5 PM | Free to spectate
GR8 Food Truck Friday | Riverside Park | 5 PM
Annual Car Cruise In | Faith Community CRC | 6:30 PM | Free
Jesus Rally | Rosa Park Circle | 7 PM | Free
Saturday, May 30th
Spring Parade of Homes | (5/30- 6/6) Various times | $10+
Spring Market | Everett’s Gardens | 9 AM - 2 PM | Free
Merchant and Makers | John Ball Zoo | 9 AM - 4 PM | Free
Lids for Kids Bicycle Helmet Giveaway & Safety Event | Garfield Park | 10 AM | Free
Backyard Creative Crawl | Creston Neighborhood | 11 AM | Free
Home Games for Grand Raggidy Roller Derby | 28th St. | 4 PM | $18
Beaded Plant Stakes (Hot Glue Creux) | Harmony Brewing Co | 9 PM | Free
Sunday, May 31st
Spring Rummage Sale | Fulton St. Market | 11 AM | Free
Crochet Workshop | Scorpion Hearts Club | 5:30 PM | Free
Gustav Holst's The Planets in the Planetarium | GRPM | 7:30 PM | ?
Monday, June 1st
Mini Garden Making with Hot Glue Creux | GRPL Leonard Branch | 4 PM | Free
Fulton Fued | Fulton St. Pub | 8 PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, May 29th
Karen Beard & The Soultry Collective | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Summer Concert Kickoff | Dinks & Dingers | 6 PM | $5
Mihali | The Stache | 7 PM | $35
Freddy Griffeth, Ironwood, Erin Monroe & Co | The Stray | 7 PM | $15
Beaver Xing | Fulton St. Pub | 7 PM | Free
70s Night with the Grand Rapids String Quartet | Fountain St. Church | 7:30 PM | $22+
Cody Johnson | Van Andel Arena | 7:30 PM | $90
Kings Kaleidoscope | The Intersection | 8 PM | $50
Derek Jones & The 50 South | Rapid River Stillhouse | 9 PM | $5
Nikkie Nocturnal & Black Pandora | Underground Lounge | 9:30 PM | Free
Revulsa / Driving Dawn / Ash of Odin | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, May 30th
Andrews Duo | The Score | 12 PM | Free
Ostia World Music | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Kennedy Affair | The score | 6 PM | Free
Toadies | Intersection | 7 PM | $100
Russell Dickerson | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7 PM | $29
All Your Friends | The Stache | 7:30 PM | $24
Davey and The Midnights and The Driftless Revelers | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10
Stygian Bough + 40 Watt Sun | Tip Top | 8 PM | $29
Borrowed Time | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | $5
The Black Temple / SkinJacket / Carnography | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues | Grand Lady Riverboat | 6 PM | Free
Monday, June 1st
West Michigan Jazz Society Presents Jazz in the Park | Millennium Park | 6:30 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids

