New study identifies opportunities to stimulate GR business districts

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

The initial findings of a May 2007 study identifying retail and restaurant business gaps in south Grand Rapids were rolled out last Monday to some two dozen civic leaders. Neighborhood Ventures, a local economic development organization, hired Saratoga Springs, NY-based Camoin Associates to conduct the study.

"We hope this study will lay the foundation for future business recruitment and retention efforts," says Kimberly Van Dyk of Neighborhood Ventures.

Business owners in three geographic "clusters" first identified where their customers live and then targeted the types of businesses each cluster would like to recruit. Camion Associates then determined the types of businesses each cluster lacked or had in abundance, and suggested a branding campaign to attract needed businesses.

Following is a snapshot of the findings, organized by the suggested branding campaign:

College Entertainment District: 

• Geographic area includes Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy, East Fulton
• Residents are mostly Gen Xers, Y Generation, and Baby Boomers.     
• Potential customer base extends to Rockford and East Grand Rapids.
• Suggested new businesses include specialty grocers, gourmet dining, coffee shops, pubs, and a wine bar.

• Geographic area includes Franklin/Eastern, Madison Square, Division South, Boston Square
• Residents are mostly young African American families. The median age is 27 and 35 percent of residents are under 19.
• 80,000 potential customers in Kentwood, Gaines Township, and Alger Heights.
• Suggested new businesses include family restaurants, children's apparel, jazz clubs.
• Suggested events include cultural arts and entertainment festivals.

Latino History and Cultural District:

• Geographic area includes Grandville Avenue and Burton Heights
• Residents are mostly young Hispanic families with a median age of 24.
• Potential customers base includes the City of Wyoming.
• Suggested new businesses include cafés, pubs, children's apparel, family restaurant with ethnic cuisine.
• Suggested events include ethnic food, music, and cultural festivals.

A final study will be released soon.

Source: Neighborhood Ventures; Camoin Associates

Photo by Brian Kelly

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].