Good afternoon, Grand Rapids!
Can you believe we’ve got a 22-degree St. Patrick's Day right before a 65-degree weekend?
I’m not the guy for going out on the town, so I’ll be inside today. But boy, do I respect anyone who’s going out tonight in this flip-flop weather. 🍀
~LeQwane L.
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To stand out, local businesses need branding that’s straightforward and consistent, and maybe a little bold.
That might mean refining an existing logo or creating a full brand system that’s easier to use day-to-day.
If you work, own, or know a local restaurant, large organizations, or even an up-and-coming business, Talk to Derek
P.s Derek is the brain behind Calder News branding, the Grand Rapids 175th imagery, and tons of other work you’ve probably engaged with. He has my stamp of approval - LeQwane.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
Downtown Hotel Plan Gets Bigger
With the introduction of the Amway Stadium and the Acrisure Ampitheatre, a new study says GR would likely need a 600-room hotel at or next to the DeVos Place to grow its convention business and support the new wave of tourism. Early estimates set the project’s cost at ~$355M, with at least $41M in public support needed. | Read more
Housing
Walker’s Largest Housing Project
A local developer has filed plans to build a 465-unit housing project on what was once farmland out in Walker. JTB Homes is set to present the concept at the Walker Planning Commission tomorrow (March 18th). The property would be built on a 268-acre stretch at 3487 Richmond St. NW to 3200 3 Mile Road NW. | Learn more about the development
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Civic News
The biggest item on today’s City Commission agenda: a $775K state grant to fund new revitalization and placemaking projects across Grand Rapids. That’s money aimed at improving neighborhoods, public spaces (like parks/ riverfront), and local business districts.
City leaders will also review a follow-up plan tied to a recent officer-involved shooting, along with a new contract to support violence prevention nonprofits.
Also on the agenda: about $56M in city spending, new parking reservation software through ParkMobile, citywide sidewalk and trail upgrades, and early steps toward new housing and redevelopment projects.
Talk Of The Town
🌶️ Chili Galore
This weekend, The BOB is hosting its 11th Annual Chilly, Blues & Brews chili cook-off. There will be live music, brews, and more. The event kicks off at 12 PM. Admission is free, but tasting ticket packages start at $10.
🍔 Electric Cheetah Cuts Menu Prices
While everything in the world is getting more expensive, a meal at Electric Cheetah is getting cheaper. Earlier this week, the restaurant announced that it’s slashing prices by ~30% in an effort to keep loyal customers coming back + bring in new customers this spring. Every menu item will be $19 or less.
🎙️ Lil Wayne In Grand Rapids
The hip hop legend Lil Wayne is making a stop in Grand Rapids for his 20 Years of Carter Classics Tour. The show is marked for July 25th with tickets launching Friday, March 20th. This may be the largest show announced at the amphitheater so far!
Business
🍺 Speciation Cellars → The Uptown taproom Speciation Artisan Ales is set to change ownership following an acquisition by a longtime employee of the business.
Opening:
Jyoti’s Kitchen → Last week, a new authentic Indian restaurant opened its doors in EGR’s Gaslight Village. The restaurant started 6 years ago as a take-out only spot.
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, March 17th
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations | Founders Brewing | 11 AM | Free
Wednesday, March 18th
17th Annual Local History Roundtable | GVSU Downtown | 3 PM | Free
Future Rounds Health Career Expo | 1655 East Beltline NE | 5 PM | Free
Connect with Candidates | Pyramid Scheme | 5:30 PM | ?
Beginner Embroidery Workshop: Sugarbush | Blandford Nature Center | 6 PM | $30
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Dallas Pulse | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19
Open Projector Night | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM | $10
Thursday, March 19th
Free Ice Cream Cones At Dairy Queen
Coffee with Creators | The Factory | 8 AM - 9 AM | Free
Monster Jam | GRCM | 4 PM - 8 PM | $3
Free Thursday Nights | GRAM | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free Admission
14th Annual Paws, Claws, and Corks | SILVA | 5:30 PM
Friday, March 20th
CreativeMornings: Local with Alita Kelly | Bamboo Grand Rapids | 8:30 AM | Free
Monster Jam | Van Andel Arena | (Fri - Sun) 5x show times | $25+
Break It Down - Make It Better | Bamboo | (Fri - Sat) Various times | $25+
Mountain Bike Spring Kick Off Party | Rockford Bike Shop | 6 PM | Free
SILVA Spoon Variety Show | The Big Room | 7 PM | $10
Laugh & Hip Hop | The Philmore | 8 PM | $28
Live Music
Tuesday, March 17th
Peter & the Wee Beasties | Founder's | 3 PM | Free
Tommy B and The Verk | Holiday Bar | 5 PM | Free
Wednesday, March 18th
Mia Asano | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $41
Thursday, March 19th
RAK Thai | Downtown Market | 5 PM | Free
Vespa | Horrock’s Market | 5 PM | Free
The Murphy's Law Band | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free
Plug 'N' Play Open Mic Night | City Built Brewing | 6:30 PM | Free
Ivan Theva & Young Oceans | Roots Brew Shop | 7 PM | $23
New Troy + Wilson Ave + The Mannequins + Quilter | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $17
Friday, March 20th
Big Nick & the Rhythm Kings | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Sam Barber | GLC Live | 6:30 PM | $150+
Vultures: A John Mayer Experience | The Lit | (Fri - Sat) 7 PM | $17
The Last Call Band | Tip Top | 7 PM | $7
Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $28
Picture Songs | Alger Park Church | 7:30 PM | ?
Summer Camp: On The Road | The Stache | 8 PM | $15
Weekend ComeBack | Home (The BOB) | 9 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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