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.

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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?

Login or Subscribe to participate

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

Saturday, May 30th

Sunday, May 31st

Monday, June 1st

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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