The Near West Side district is located across the Grand River from Center City.
The area is known for its working-class attitude, rich European traditions and, above all, resilience. The construction of the US 131 highway and Interstate 196 in the 1960’s destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. It also scarred the heart and soul of a community.
But today the Near West Side district is emerging as a much stronger and vibrant place than it was before the bulldozers. With Grand Valley State University expanding in the area; a thriving museum district; a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and locally run shops; as well as aggressive investment in unique urban housing ventures; the Near West Side now stands on the leading edge of Grand Rapids’ evolution into a thriving 21st century city.
For more information about the West Side visit the Rapid Growth:
- Visiting Guide
- Moving Guide
- Investing Guide
Jeff Hill
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Grand Rapids has spent much of the past century as a manufacturing power house. With the changing global economy, what does the future hold for our community?
Jeff Hill
Thursday, June 30, 2011
In our continuing coverage of Cycling City, a group of cycling advocates takes to the streets of Grand Rapids to assess its "bike friendliness."
J. Hill
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Bikes and cars in Grand Rapids, sharing the roads in harmony? Some people have that dream. Come find out what it's all about June 29.
Lindsay Patton-Carson
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Like its neon sign powered by thousands of volts of electricity, Wenger's Bowling Alley gets amped up for the summer months when it hosts Electro Bowl under the watchful eye of Sean Boney. Electronic dance music is here to stay, he says.
John Hogan
Thursday, April 01, 2010
They rap on the windows, tie up the phone, even flag down the company van -- all posing the same question: "Is American Bakery open yet?" Dwight Fausnaugh finally has an answer.
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