Development News

A new cinema has come to Grand Rapids, but it's only for the residents of the Plaza Towers Apartments. But the private cinema with leather recliners instead of theater seats, tiered risers, hook ups for game consoles and free DVD "rental" isn't the only thing that's changed in the high-rise building at 201 W. Fulton.

Upgrades to the lobby transformed it into a Euro-style entry that includes Italian tile flooring and complementary self-serve espresso for residents. In November, the elevators will sport new television monitors that will feature postings for events and happenings downtown, community announcements, and television news and sports shows.

"On the main level we upgraded a conference room to be a café/work room for residents," says
Grace Johnson, residential coordinator. It's equipped with wireless Internet access and a media screen.

"Off that room we created a patio area that looks onto Monroe Avenue," she adds. "We often have community parties that spill out into that area. There will be seating for that or residents can go downstairs and sit outside and watch people go by."

The second floor pool and fitness center were renovated to resemble a Mediterranean spa. Besides adding new workout equipment, the new amenities include a sauna in the women's locker room and a steam room in the men's.
 
"As residents move out, we'll be upgrading the vacated units," Johnson says. "Some can be customized for an extra cost, for example, a new tenant can request hardwood floors. And they'll all have Euro cabinets with granite countertops in the kitchen and bath."

Source: Grace Johnson, Lena Stob, Eenhoorn LLC

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.



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Grand Rapids’ vibrant downtown and growing college-age population lured a Grosse Pointe couple to move here and open one of the area’s newest eateries: One Stop Coney Shop, 154 E. Fulton.

 Leslie and her husband, Brian DeGalan, plan to open the 24-seat, self-serve restaurant on October 27 in a former salsa dance studio in the Peacock Building.

“The hot dogs are special,” promises Leslie DeGalan, “because they’re Koegel (hot dogs) from Flint and they’ll be grilled, not boiled.  They’ll have that snap when you bite into them.”

The menu will feature authentic Detroit coney dogs, Chicago-style dogs and one dubbed “Rapid Style” topped with chili, chili relish, mustard, ketchup and onions. Another specialty will be freshly made Belgian-style “frites” -- fries that are fresh cut and twice fried to make them extra crispy. Chili, cheese and a variety of sauces will be available for extra toppings. A Greek salad and chicken pita sandwich will also be available.

Leslie once worked in retail and Brian in computer sales, but when the recession hit the Detroit area especially hard, the opportunity to be part of a growing Grand Rapids downtown became even more appealing. The couple’s two daughters will work at the restaurant along with three part-time employees.
    
One Stop Coney Shop is set up for Wi-Fi wireless Internet service. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.  It will be closed Mondays. For more information, contact the restaurant at 233-9700 or check its website at www.onestopconeyshop.com.

Source: Leslie DeGalan of One Stop Coney Shop

Sharon Hanks is the innovation and jobs news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at sharon@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

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For people who like to travel efficiently and have their belongings conveniently at hand, Peninsula Trading Travel Gear is paradise.

The new shop at 972 Cherry SE, in the former Blue Avenue location, carries something for every type of travel: business, adventure, independent or family.

"I'm not an outdoor store, I'm not a luggage shop, I fall in the middle of both of those where I'm a specialty store catering to a travel customer," says Betsy Borden, owner. "My product is all about making you more comfortable when traveling, about durability, comfort and convenience."

Borden, 52, spent several years as a manufacturer's rep, selling luggage and travel gear to retail stores. Now she's taken the lines she used to rep and brought them together under one roof: Merrell Apparel, Exofficio, Tilley Hats, Eagle Creek Travel Gear and luggage.

The clothing is lightweight with security pockets for wallets and passports, sun protection fabric. Exofficio features insect protection for adventure travel so wearers don't have to apply DEET to their skin.

"Everything in my store is everything but the trip," Borden says. "It's all about being smarter when we travel. There's a huge dialogue going on here about where they're going, where they want to go – they love to talk about the great escape."

Borden uses vintage travel items as store displays and décor: suitcases, globes, license plates, a kayak for the adventure travel. Her counter is crafted from an old gate and a narrow bathroom door. She drew on her experience creating visual displays for Gantos and Rogers Department Store to create an atmosphere that's fun and inviting.

The grand opening is October 24, 10 to 5.

Source: Betsy Borden, Peninsula Trading Travel Gear

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.


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Eenhoorn LLC will soon relocate its national headquarters from Cascade Township to the Plaza Towers building, bringing 22 more workers to the heart of the city daily.

The national property management and real estate investment company purchased Plaza Towers in 2001. Now it's nearing the completion of a high-end renovation of 8,500 square feet of office space on the main level at 231 Fulton Street, Grand Rapids – nearly double its current digs.

"We're poising ourselves to grow and positioning ourselves to be prepared for that growth," says Lena Stob, project manager. "We are poised to expand our portfolio and need to have the space to employ more people to help manage the properties."

Outstanding features in the lobby are a custom-made cherry wood floating ceiling and large, bright paintings by local artist Reb Roberts.

Some of the other local products include the furniture throughout the space from Herman Miller, Steelcase and Nucraft. Dooge Veneers created the eucalyptus veneer tables in the reception area and nearby conference room.

A glass and steel spiral staircase connects the main lobby to the Skywalk.

Work areas include the executive suite, an open office area with the original concrete ceiling and concrete pillars, and a separate area with nine private offices. The private offices have 9-foot-high glass barn doors that  maximize access to the daylight coming through nearby windows.

Warm colors throughout the main office give way to a cool palette of white, gray and green in the kitchen/break area where employees can relax.

Eenhoorn will relocate in December.

Jeffrey Parker Architects handled the interior design. Anthony Beckman of Grand Rapids was the general contractor.

Source: Lena Stob, Eenhoorn LLC

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
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West Siders will soon have a new take-out restaurant in Edison Plaza from which to pick up their favorite Chinese cuisine.

Fu Garden is expected to open November 13 in the building once occupied by Curves West fitness center at 2030 Lake Michigan Drive NW.  The word “fu” means graceful in Mandarin Chinese, according to mechanical engineer Luann Sun of MJW Consulting, LLC, who also has served as a consultant and Chinese interpreter for the restaurant owner, Jian-Wei Huang.

Sun said Huang, a native of Fu Jian province in mainland China, has been a cook at other local Chinese restaurants for the past 10 years. “I think he’s like many Chinese immigrants who have come here with a dream to own their own restaurant,” she says.   

Sun said Huang was drawn to the location because it’s close to downtown and the restaurant is visible to motorists and pedestrians passing by. “Lake Michigan Drive is quite a busy street,” she said, noting that the high visibility should attract more customers.
 
The 1,300-square-foot restaurant has a seating capacity of 10. It will employ three others besides Huang.

Fu Garden will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. 

Source: Luann Sun of MJW Consulting

Sharon Hanks is the innovation and jobs news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at sharon@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

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As part of a series, Rapid Growth is speaking with nominees of several "best of" categories of the 20th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards, a partnership between Neighborhood Ventures and the Neighborhood Business Alliance that honors businesses across the city that have added to the quality of life in their locales.
 
Best Business Exterior: Ball Park Floral and Gifts, 8 Valley SE
At 105 years, Ball Park Floral is one of Grand Rapids' most enduring businesses. And the neat and tidy, always-in-good-repair exterior of the store at Fulton and Valley shows the care that goes into this family-owned business.
 
Recent renovations to the showroom included removing several interior walls, which doubled the space. A walk-in cooler allows customers to choose individual flowers for bouquets or arrangements, or they can select ready-made arrangements to go.
 
"Our designers are always on hand so customers can have something made while they wait," says General Manager Heidi Poll. "And we have a large selection of silk arrangements with seasonal colors and flowers."
 
Other offerings include green plants, tropicals, such as orchids and ginger, balloons for all occasions and a wide selection of gifts.
 
Ball Park Floral designs flowers for weddings, sympathy, and corporate events and delivers within the Greater Grand Rapids area. The store also provides a wire service for ordering flowers and plants to be delivered outside the city.
 
"Earlier today we wired orders to Texas and to California and Ohio," Poll says.
 
The business employs 17 full- and part-time staff.
 
Other nominees are:            
Adobe In and Out, 617 W Fulton St
Café Aromas, 880 Grandville Ave SW
DeVries Companies for Bridge Street Depot, 528 Bridge
Eastown Business Association/Janette Tazzia
Gillespie Funeral Services, 1865 Eastern SE
The Green Well Gastro Pub, 924 Cherry SE
Sundaes in the Heights, 2404 Eastern
Wealthy Street Bakery, 608 Wealthy SE
 
Best New Business: Blu House Properties, 1426 Wealthy SE
Despite the struggling real estate market, one-year-old Blu House Properties has sold 21 properties to out-of-state investors so far this year. And while Ryan Ogle says his firm doesn't really have a niche market and sells all types of residential and commercial properties, one has to wonder.
 
Ogle, 29, is the owner of the company and a licensed Realtor. He got into the real estate game at age 20 after painting a number of Heritage Hill houses.
 
"I did about 30 Heritage Hill houses, and one day I said: Why paint houses when you can sell them? I think it was just a natural progression," Ogle says.
 
Blu House Properties brings in out-of-state investors and shows them around town to see what the city's like and to view available properties.
 
"We brought in a guy from Japan and groups of people from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kentucky and Chicago, all investor groups," Ogle says. "They purchase real estate here for investment. A lot of times, they're bank owned properties. We rehab the houses for them, then our property management company (Blu House Property Management) manages them. If we can get them to invest in these homes that are sitting empty it helps out the neighborhoods."
 
Chris Thompson is a partner with Ogle in Blu House Property Management, which operates out of the same location as Blu House Properties.
 
Other nominees are:
Beauty House, 950 Wealthy SE
Commute Bicycle Shop, 120 S. Division
Unlocal Clothing Co., 62 S. Division
Wing Heaven, 1808 Monroe NW
Wired Espresso Bar, 1503 Plainfield NE
 
Rapid Growth is proud to sponsor the People's Choice award in each category of the Neighborhood Business Awards. Click here to cast your online vote for your favorites.
 
The awards ceremony on November 5 is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre. The public is invited.
 
Source: Heidi Poll, Ball Park Floral and Gifts; Ryan Ogle, Blu House Properties

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.


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West Michigan painter Cynthia Hagedorn is opening a studio that will serve as a hub of artistic activities and events in downtown Holland.

At the corner of River Avenue and Eighth Street, above Reader's World, a cozy second-floor space became available a few months ago when the Holland Downtown Development Authority and Principal Shopping District (PSD) relocated to West Ninth Street.

"I had worked with the PSD to coordinate events in downtown Holland, so I'd been in that office a lot," Hagedorn says. Once it was empty, she decided the space would be perfect for her studio.? ?"I feel like (opening the studio) is the next step I have to take in my life," she says.

"Once I decided to go for it, obstacles just fell by the wayside and I was able to move forward."

The Cynthia Hagedorn Studio will be a base for events Hagedorn facilitates under her organization Square Peg Events, LLC. Hagedorn will use her background in art anthropology to teach drop-in art workshops for kids on Egyptian art, American Gothic, cartoons drawing, cultural creations and famous artists.
 
She'll also host private bookings for girls' nights out, book clubs, date nights or other small groups.

Under Square Peg Events, Hagedorn organizes art-enhanced programs in Holland and offers tours of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is developing a series of themed walking tours through downtown Holland that include Boys and Beer, Chicks and Chocolate, The Martini March and Art of Food Making.

Hagedorn decked out the 300-square-foot studio using bright, bold colors. Large windows overlook the downtown. She will use the studio to paint her own artwork when she isn't hosting events.
 
An open house is scheduled today from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Source: Cynthia Hagedorn, The Cynthia Hagedorn Studio

Related Articles: New location makes downtown Holland's economic leaders more accessible to the community

 
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com
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As part of a series, Rapid Growth is speaking with nominees of several "best of" categories of the 20th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards, a partnership between Neighborhood Ventures and the Neighborhood Business Alliance that honors businesses across the city that have added to the quality of life in their locales.

Best Exterior Renovation: Red Jet Café
After renovating what was once a bank-turned-library into a trendy neighborhood eatery called the Red Jet Café, owners The Gilmore Collection made its move to repurpose an adjacent sidewalk area into an urban dining patio. This summer marked the restaurant's first year with the addition, which coincided with the acquisition of a liquor license, extended dinner hours and the addition of appetizers to the menu.

The café sits on a point of land where Plainfield NE and Coit intersect. The patio seats 45 along the Coit Avenue (northwest) side of the restaurant. Bordered by businesses along a shaded brick street, the patio creates a big city outdoor dining experience in one of Grand Rapids' growing neighborhood business districts.

"The patio and liquor license increased our summer business by 30 to 35 percent," says Rick Sauber, general manager. "It was amazing."

Plans are to add Plexiglas panels to enclose the space for four-season dining. Mushroom heaters keep the area warm, but those will give way eventually to more permanent radiant heat.

Other nominees are:
•    AllStar Wireless, 1000 Michigan NE
•    Louie's Bar & Rocket Lounge, 608 Bridge St. NW
•    Talk A Lot Wireless - MetroPCS, 800 Franklin SE

Best Interior Renovation: Brann's Steakhouse & Grille
A West Side staple has once again completely revamped its interior, taking on a new theme and a new name. The new Brann's Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grill, 401 Leonard NW, still features a bar area (now a sports lounge) and dining room, but sports a contemporary interior complete with 50 televisions: flat screen, projection, hi-def translucent (viewable from two sides) and private TVs in the dining booths.

"We've had the previous interior for about 12 years and my dad and another partner went and checked out other concepts in other states," says Johnny Brann, Jr., a partner in the business. "They brought home some good ideas."

The $250,000 renovation includes raising ceilings, new flooring, restrooms and serving stations, and redesigning a private banquet area so it's now part of the sports lounge. Custom partitions return the space to a private dining room for parties and events.
With all the changes, the establishment's regulars will recognize something left over from the old Brann's.

"We kept a sports themed mannequin on each floor because people did not want to see those go," says Brann.

Other nominees are:
•    Bombay Cuisine/Queens Pub, 1420 Lake Drive SE
•    Fat Boy Burgers, 2450 Plainfield Avenue NE
•    Clear Water Place/Saint Mary's Home Care, 1430 Monroe NW
•    Clique Lanes, 533 Stocking NW
•    From the Heart Yoga, 714 Wealthy SE
•    Higher Ground Rock Climbing Center, 820 Monroe NW
•    Lott3Metz Architects and Highland Group, 645 Cherry SE
•    John Widdicomb Trade Center/ Spectrum Health, 665 Seward NW

Rapid Growth is proud to sponsor the People's Choice award in each category of the Neighborhood Business Awards. Click here to cast your online vote for your favorites.

The awards ceremony on November 5 is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre. The public is invited. Mark your calendar to check Rapid Growth on Friday, November 6 for a list of the winners.
 
Source: Rick Sauber, Red Jet Café; Johnny Brann, Jr., Brann's Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grill

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
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It's moving only a block away, but longtime merchant Rylee's Ace Hardware will be moving way up in style.

The new 33,000-square-foot building at 1234 Michigan is incorporating some of Ace Hardware's new design concepts, testing out new colors, signage and layout for the brand says Matthew Jamrog, Rylee's vice president of operations and human resources.

The existing store at 1121 Michigan and the Ace Fix-it Shop across the street will move to the new location for an April 2010 opening.

The structural steel is complete, the exterior walls are in place, the roof decking is on and crews have installed the roof membrane. Excavators have begun leveling the interior floor. Temporary power inside the structure is up and running.

"I think the new store will be a combination of the traditional Rylee's Ace Hardware store that people have known and loved," Jamrog says. "But it's all the new concepts and trends too; like an outdoor garden center, a first for us, to serve the downtown community. We're going to have expanded product lines, expanded sporting goods and our Fix-It Shop all in one location and all on one level."

About 1,600 square feet of retail space is available for lease in the new building. Jamrog says Rylee's is working on the final stages of commitment from "interested parties" but wouldn't divulge who those parties are or what type of business plans to set up shop.

ROI Design handled the design. Pinnacle Construction is the construction manager.

Jamrog says there are no current plans for the existing store and Fix-it Shop, which are both available for purchase or lease.

Source: Matthew Jamrog, Rylee's Ace Hardware

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Rylee's Hardware ready to break ground on $4M Grand Rapids store
Rylee’s Hardware proposes $3M move to vacant Armory acreage

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
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It's been over a year since Little Mexico Café on Grand Rapids' West Side burned to the ground, but the new structure taking its place is well on its way to a November opening.

The new Little Mexico rises on the same corner at Bridge and Stocking NW. The exterior of the two-story building is nearly complete, and inside, crews are installing the ductwork, electrical, the stairway and the elevator.

An existing concrete building to the rear of the new structure survived the fire, but suffered extensive damage.

"The inside was a mess with smoke and water damage," says Jeffrey Parker of Jeffrey Parker Architects, spokesperson for restaurant owner Enrique Ayala. "The fire screwed up the roofing and as a result water came in. It was in the winter so the water became ice."

The damage is fixed and the building will be part of the restaurant.

Ayala decided to enclose a planned second story outdoor deck and use the space year-round.

Kitchens on both levels will increase efficiency, Ayala said in an earlier interview, and he has no plans to change his menu.

To keep the flavor of the atmosphere as authentically Mexican as the food, the new restaurant will feature live Mariachi bands performing from a dedicated band stand on the second floor.

"I think that the building will help raise the bar for the kind of development that area will attract," Parker says. "I think Little Mexico is a landmark restaurant in Grand Rapids and when it's re-built it will be a landmark building and an identifying element in the business area."

Source: Jeffrey Parker, Jeffrey Parker Architects; Enrique Ayala, Little Mexico Café

Related Articles
Little Mexico to spice up West Side dining

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

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Soccer at Hope College got a boost this fall with the completion of Van Andel Soccer Stadium in September. The facility was finished three weeks ahead of schedule and the men's soccer team won the stadium's inaugural game on September 29.  

An endowment led by Hope College alumni David and Carol Van Andel through The David and Carol Van Andel Foundation funded the $5.3 million project. Project costs include construction and estimated maintenance. Hope College named the stadium in the Van Andel's honor.

Designed by GMB Architecture + Engineering, Van Andel Soccer Stadium is located on about five acres near what is called Holland's eastern gateway at Fairbanks and 11th streets.

"It's a handsome addition," says Hope College spokesperson Tom Renner. "There is a longstanding relationship enjoyed between the city and college. Development … would not have happened without this public/private partnership."
    
Renner says initial reactions to the stadium have been positive.

The soccer field features the artificial turf ProGrass, a product made specifically for soccer field surfaces. Amenities at the complex include lighting for night games, individual and bleacher seats, men's and women's locker rooms, an officials' room, athletic training space, patios for tailgate parties, a full service concessions stand and a press box with high-speed Internet.

The technology in the press box also allows the college to post real time statistics and game updates to the Internet, and, Renner says, the potential to show soccer games online.

"The stadium is part of the college's growing outdoor athletics complex," says Renner.

The college will host a day of events Saturday, Oct. 17 to celebrate the new 1,400-seat stadium.

Source: Tom Renner, Hope College

Related Articles
Hope College scores goal with proposed $5.3M state-of-the-art soccer stadium

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

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The owners of the new Peppino's Grille, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge in Heartside hope to hit a Grand Slam with this week's opening.

After months of renovating the former EQ3 space at 130 Ionia SW, Kurt Suidinski and Joe DiLeonardo will open the doors October 15 at 3 p.m. for their first customers.

"It's going to fill what seems to be a very large hole for lunch options down here," says Suidinski, 36. "We've had people stop in from nearby Western Michigan University, U.S. Signal and Aveda to find out when we're opening now that they know we're close."

The $800,000 renovation of the 10,000 square foot storefront includes a massive stone fireplace with a lounge area appointed with coffee-hued leather couches and burgundy leather chairs. A concrete-topped bar on the main level seats 26 and features 28 beers on tap.  

Maple and walnut millwork throughout the restaurant gives the space an inviting feel. Sports enthusiasts won't miss a minute of their favorite games with 29 flat screen televisions on the walls, a projection TV and personal TVs in the 14 dining booths.

"If a family comes down and sits in a booth they can ask the server to put on the cartoon network on the booth TV," Suidinski says.

"The upper deck has a smaller version of the main bar with eight taps and a comfy lounging area with 16-foot picnic tables and cocktail tables for big parties that want to come in and watch a game," Suidinski adds.

The menu includes pizza, pasta dishes, sandwiches, steak, seafood and burritos – many made from fourth-generation Sicilian recipes from Joe DiLeonardo's family. Lunch customers can opt for the $7.95 lunch buffet or delivery.

Pioneer Construction handled the construction. StudioWise Design and R2 Design, both of Grand Rapids, collaborated with DiLeonardo and Suidinski on the design.

Source: Kurt Suidinski, Peppino's Grille, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge

Related Articles
Peppino’s newest game in town with $800K downtown Grand Rapids sports bar

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.


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Adams Park Apartments are in line for improvements thanks to an $854,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Owned by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, Adams Park Apartments offers 188 units to low income residents. Every apartment is occupied, but the circa 1960 building is in need of maintenance repairs, equipment upgrades and an improved fire and security system, says Carlos Sanchez, housing commission executive director.

"We'll be replacing windows, painting the interior halls and stairwell, replacing carpeting and upgrading the fire alarm system," Sanchez says. "The big ticket will be upgrading the fire alarm system for about $82,000, and another $56,000 for smoke detectors throughout building."

Other changes include new security cameras, a new roof and replacing outdated kitchen appliances in 100 of the units with energy efficient models.

M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group designed the renovation. A construction manager has not been selected.

Sanchez expects construction to begin the fall and last about 12 months.

Source: Carlos Sanchez, Grand Rapids Housing Commission

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.


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As part of a series, Rapid Growth is speaking with nominees of several "best of" categories of the 20th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards, a partnership between Neighborhood Ventures and the Neighborhood Business Alliance that honors businesses across the city that have added to the quality of life in their locales.

Best New Construction – Small Project: Lake Michigan Credit Union/Pioneer Construction
Business is booming at the new Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) branch on the corner of Michigan and Prospect streets in Grand Rapids. The branch offers one-stop financial shopping for LMCU members, as well as an in-house coffee shop, The Perk, where members and non-members can get a drink, a snack or lunch.

The 4,000-square-foot building gives LMCU a presence on the Medical Mile, a location that helps the company capitalize on its history of serving the healthcare industry. Since opening 11 months ago, the branch has opened nearly 800 new accounts, says Julie Blitchok, vice president of retail operations and marketing. The branch created seven new banking jobs, as well.

The building features a two-story glass wall that forms an atrium open to the ceiling. The second level is similar to a loft space and overlooks the lobby where there are five teller stations, two drive-through lanes and a walk-up 24-hour ATM service.

"The response has exceeded our expectations," Blitchok says. "The volume and activity at the branch are showing excellent growth."

Other nominees are:

• Bear Manor Properties for the Electric Cheetah, 1015 Wealthy St SE
• Bazzani Associates for the Phoenix Building, 1500 Wealthy SE
• Gus Afendoulis for Subway/Biggby Coffee, 365 Fuller NE

Best New Construction – Large Project: Cesar E. Chavez Elementary/ Triangle Associates
Construction of the $11.5 million Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School might not have happened if it weren't for some sound budgeting by the Grand Rapids Public Schools. The money to replace the former Hall Elementary with the new school came from the $165 million bond approved by voters in 2004 – a bond earmarked for 10 major projects that didn't include Hall Elementary.

Chavez Elementary, 703 Shamrock (near Grandville Avenue), opened last month to 410 preschool through fifth graders, up from 350 last year. The 60,000-square-foot building has state-of-the-art technology for students and teachers, 22 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, gymnasium and a cafeteria.

"The total transformation of Grandville Avenue, starting with the renovation of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, then Café Aromas down the street and the new streetscaping, has made the Roosevelt Park neighborhood a very walkable community," says John Helmholdt, GRPS communications director. "The school on the corner is an attractive addition and a fitting tribute to the whole area."

Other nominees are:

• McGraw Construction for The Bicycle Factory, 514 Butterworth SW
• The Hauenstein Center at Saint Mary's Health Care, 245 Cherry SE

Stay tuned to Rapid Growth for our online voting where you can vote for your favorite businesses. Those with the most online votes will receive a People's Choice Award sponsored by Rapid Growth.

The awards ceremony on November 5 is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre. The public is invited.

Source: Julie Blitchok, Lake Michigan Credit Union; John Helmholdt, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
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The $286 million Helen DeVos Children's Hospital rising along Grand Rapids' Medical Mile is still on track for a January 2011 opening. So says hospital president Robert Connors, who led a media tour of the partially completed facility this week.

The tour included the lobby/entry, operating rooms and nursery and neonatal facilities – all of which are still under construction.

The 14-story, 440,000-square-foot facility will have 206 beds, all in private rooms that include in-room overnight accommodations for family members who want to stay with their child. Each room features technology that allows physicians to view a patient's X-rays and test information at special viewing panels.

A skywalk across Michigan Street connects to 35 Michigan Street, a facility that includes "parking and 50,000 square feet of ambulatory space for outpatient clinics," says Anne Veltema, hospital spokesperson.

Pediatric services will include respiratory care, neurosurgery, oncology, diagnostic testing and other services for critically ill and injured children. A new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit attached to the existing NICU will add 40 private rooms for premature infants.

Non-medical amenities include a kid-friendly environment, artwork and design created by children, an outdoor garden and room for play and entertainment to promote healing.

"The new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital will enhance access to medical care for children and their families," says Dr. Connors. "The new environment is designed specifically to meet the needs of a child. We have been building the care team for years and now have a centrally located building to provide the very best for children."

The current hospital located at the Spectrum Health Medical Center opened in 1993. More than 7,600 children receive in-patient care each year and hospital staff attends to 39,000 emergency room visits annually.

Source: Dr. Robert Connors, Anne Veltema, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
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