Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the only place to learn what’s happening in your city in 3 minutes or less.

PS. I’m always looking for ideas and suggestions to improve Calder News. If you have anything to share (even if it’s just feedback), click the daily survey at the bottom of our emails.

It’ll allow you to input a quick response with whatever option you click. I always read those messages, so I look forward to hearing what you’ve got to say.

~LeQwane L.

In today’s news:

• 🏠️ The west side is getting new housing

• 🍒 Cherry Health ups its capacity

• 🛍️ New owners give RiverTown Mall some TLC

Now, let’s get into it…

What’s Happening

A briefing of local news that matters

City:  Plainfield wants a new look

Plainfield Township is receiving a $7M investment to become a destination people go to, instead of through. Next year, Plainfield Avenue will get a walkability upgrade and four landscaped medians for pedestrians. This small but impactful project is phase one of the township’s larger “Reimagine Plainfield” plan. Expect some road closures/departures sometime early next year.

Housing:  The west side is getting more housing

Out with the old, in with the new. Demolition of the abandoned Duthler’s grocery store on the west side of town (Bridge St.) could start anytime. The building will be replaced with a new 148-unit five-story apartment built by a local developer. The project is expected to be complete by the Summer of 2026.

Health:  Cherry Health ups its capacity

Cherry Health Behavioral Center has added additional capacity to support those in need. The walk-in clinic once plagued with extended wait times has now set a goal to provide same-day services to anyone dealing with mental health issues. The clinic is non-faith-based, accepts walk-ins, and welcomes anyone (despite their ability to pay).

Development:  New owners give RiverTown Mall some TLC

The new owners of RiverTown Crossing Mall are cleaning up shop. After putting $1.3M smackeroos into the property, Poag Development Group is looking to refresh the building exterior, repave parking lots, fill potholes, and add better lighting. And that’s not all. In the coming years, Poag plans to put up even more cash to redevelop the property to include retail, entertainment, and potentially hotel or residential use.

Have news to report? Click here.

Question Of The Week

This is our first sorta 2-for-1 special… It’s the question and post of the week. Why?

It’s funny and I have a feeling this one is set in stone, but I still felt I have to ask you just in case.

I always go high-level and just call everyone a Michigander. I’ll include the results of this poll in Friday’s email.

Grow your business in 2025.

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Events

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday

• Grand Strings Concert | St. Cecilia Music Center | 6:30 PM | Free

Thursday

• Crestkindlmarkt | 1425 Coit Ave | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free | A festive evening of treats, food, drink, and activities hosted by the Creston Neighborhood Association

• Lights on Creston | Creston Neighborhood | 4 PM - 9 PM | Free | Sip, shop, and stroll or bring your family to artisan markets up and down Plainfield

• Adult Workshop: Linocut Greeting Cards | Grand Rapids Art Museum | 5 PM - 8 PM | $42

• Bricks & Beers | Broad Leaf Brewery (Kentwood) | 6:30 PM | $30 for a team of two | Grab a beer and unleash your inner Lego builder in a friendly competition

• Lil Sasquatch (Comedian) | Dr Grins | 8 PM | $32.50

Friday

• Calvin Alumni Choir Christmas Concert | Calvin University | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | Celebrate the coming of Christ with songs and carols from around the world

• Grand Rapids Gold vs Indiana Mad Ants | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $14

• Michigan Mandolin Orchestra Christmas Concert | Golden Age (Creston Taproom) | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | $18 adv, $25 door

• Holiday Classics with Organist Lance Luce | Grand Rapids Public Museum | $20 tickets

• The Nutcracker 2024 | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri - Sun) | Typically starting around $39 a ticket

Live Music

Wednesday

• Pentatonix | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $59.50

• Oso Oso + Flycatcher (Emo pop) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $23

Thursday

• CupcakKe (Rap) | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | 18+ showing only

Friday

• Trampled By Turtles (Bluegrass folk) | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $39.50

• That Beatles Thing (Rock) | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10 | This show is 21+

• May Erlewine & The Motivations | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $25

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Outside The Plaza

2 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Michigan: AT&T is set to eliminate its landline phone service in Michigan (and every other state) by 2029.

Muskegon: A global aerospace company that develops parts for jet engines and industrial turbines is building a $107M plant in Muskegon. The investment is expected to create up to 300 new jobs.

That’s All For Today…

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