After being ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies, one of the fastest-growing cities, and one of the top real estate markets to watch in the nation, the expansive growth of Grand Rapids has only continued. With new developments popping up all throughout the city, there is only more growth to look forward to. Whether accommodating more visitors with new hotels, offering new store-fronts for business owners, or new spaces for community members to enjoy a movie or live music, the city is flourishing with new opportunities for Grand Rapidians and visitors alike to enjoy all the city has to offer!  

Studio Park

Coming this fall is the new entertainment district of downtown Grand Rapids, Studio Park. The space will be filled with new shops, 140 condos, restaurants, a 9-screen movie theater, a hotel, office space and Studio C, a venue for live music performances. Don’t miss the grand opening!

Grand River Restoration

Grand Rapids White Water Organization has begun work towards creating a “safer, more exciting river experience for everyone” by restoring the river to as close to its natural state as possible. Plans have been made to remove aging dams, restoring rapids, installing boulders, constructing to increase public safety and flood control and improve habitat for aquatic life by restoring spawning areas.

Amway Renovation

The glass exterior of Amway’s tower is being replaced with clear, insulated glass that will be more energy efficient and give a modern look. Construction is projected to wrap up in spring of 2021.

Frederick Meijer Garden Expansions

A new welcome center is being constructed to accommodate for the expansive growth in attendance the gardens has experienced over the years; this is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Tassell-WisnerBottrall English Perennial and Bulb Garden will be expanded and moved to better accommodate its scope by 2022.

GVSU Health Sciences Building

The expansion of the Grand Valley State University health campus will facilitate over 5,000 students who are currently enrolled in health-related courses. This building will host a vast collection of courses of the 20 health sciences programs Grand Valley offers. GV hopes this expansion will continue to provide current, future and past students, faculty and staff with a “unique, collaborative, and interdisciplinary” environment.

B.O.B. Beer Garden

Long awaited plans for an outdoor beer garden at the B.O.B. are looking more and more promising. The beer garden was first approved in 2015, but plans were placed on hold to support the opening of 20 Monroe Live. Plans have recently been re-designed, adding two glass garage doors that will open up towards Fulton. This project should take no longer than 4 months, Gilmore claims.

Warner Building

After two years of diligent construction, the 15 story Warner Building is under its final stages of construction, and is scheduled to be completed early August. The Warner Building is comprised of Class A office space, retail and restaurant space, and a 7-story parking deck. Office spaces will be occupied by Warner Norcross + Judd and Chemical Bank, while the restaurant space remains unnamed.

Hotels, Hotels, Hotels!

DeVos Convention Center Hotel: Current plans are still underway, but Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena/Authority aims to add 350-500 rooms to the DeVos Place with hopes to increase convention attendance.

Embassy Suites by Hilton: a 7-story, 246-room hotel will open this summer. Guests will be able to enjoy river and cityscape views while being situated just across the street from 6th street park.

AC Hotel by Marriott: which will open in May in the heart of downtown, on Monroe, with 130 rooms

Residence Inn: Construction for the 13-story tower, housing 146-rooms began the beginning of this year.