Featured Stories

Can Grand Rapids end homelessness?: Best practices and local challenges to a nationwide issue

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, February 01, 2018

Everyone has a different stake in “solving” the issue of homelessness in Grand Rapids. But does anyone have an accurate picture of the issue—and who we’re actually talking about when we refer to Grand Rapids’ “homeless” population? In the first of a three-part series, RG dives into homelessness in our community, exploring the complexities, discussing best practices, and defining the housing first model.

Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, South Division, Transformational change

Heartside

Sister Carol Gilbert OP, left, and Sister Ardeth Platte OP, right.

Nuns disarming the world: Two Dominicans with Grand Rapids roots help win Nobel Peace Prize

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, February 01, 2018

Sister Carol Gilbert, OP and Sister Ardeth Platte, OP of the Grand Rapids Dominicans have dedicated their lives through nuclear disarmament and recently contributed to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)'s win of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Environment, Technology, Transformational change

Eat your heart out! 8 new Grand Rapids restaurants to check out in 2018

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor, with additional reporting by Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, February 01, 2018

Whether it’s a second location, a new iteration, or a new concept entirely, Grand Rapids foodies have a lot to look forward to in 2018. From the recently opened Westside Social Tavern to the promise of Gaia’s triumphant return, here’s a small taste of some big flavors coming to Grand Rapids this year.

Development, Food, Restaurants

RapidChat: Heather Colletto

Jenna Morton Thursday, January 25, 2018

Over the years we've been conditioned to only share the highlight reels of our life on social media; We don’t show each other the framework behind the success. "But each of those stories is a series of months—even years—of self doubt, anger, and so on." reflects Heather Colletto, Founder of ServeGR, who recently shared her very own story of Context with CreativeMornings GR.

RapidChat

Building Grand Rapids: Part I, from Furniture City to urban renewal

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, January 25, 2018

From establishing itself as the Furniture City to urban renewal to renovations of historic buildings, GR has witnessed much transformation in its buildings. Read the first in a two-part piece on the last 100 years of construction in GR.

Building Grand Rapids, Design, Historic Sites

Heritage Hill

One of GR's oldest construction companies celebrates 100 years

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, January 25, 2018

“The joys of construction are the tangible products you realize from your efforts." Craig Datema celebrates his father, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather, remembering the past 100 years of Triangle Associates.

Building Grand Rapids, Construction, Design, Historic Sites

Making it in GR: Lessons in crowdfunding

By Leandra Nisbet Thursday, January 25, 2018

Self-proclaimed entrepreneur and Grand Rapids transplant, Don Rhoads, invented the BedBud Alarm out of a personal need. Through community involvement, market research and continuous revisions, he was able to develop his product. Though his journey is not over yet, he has already learned a lot along the way.

Entrepreneurship, Finance, Making it in Grand Rapids, Venture Capital

Helping to write beautiful stories: Leaders under 30 empower youth in Grand Rapids

By Natalie Tomlin Thursday, January 25, 2018

Impassioned to guide first generation students toward a college degree; to provide quality mental health care to all people, regardless of their background; and to create intimate relationships free of violence, these leaders under 30 are making a difference for youth in GR.

Education, Michigan Nightlight

DACA: A personal view from here to Washington

Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, January 25, 2018

Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen sat down to speak with two Dreamers whose lives will be upended along with the estimated 800,000 other Dreamers if DACA is not renewed.

Immigration, Talent Dividend, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

UIX: Preventative medicine begins with access to exercise in Grand Rapids

By Matthew Russell Thursday, January 18, 2018

Access to adequate nutrition, shelter and education are basic rights of those living in West Michigan, and access to physical fitness is no different. More so now than ever before, individuals of differing ability and resources are able to access opportunities for physical fitness.

healthcare, Healthy Living, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Urban Innovation Exchange

Southeast Community

The state of Grand Rapids housing costs: A 10-year review

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, January 18, 2018

“The rent is too damn high” is a common sentiment here in Grand Rapids, where rapid growth has resulted in a higher cost of housing. Take a look at the last 10 years of changing and rising costs of housing in GR.

Development, Real Estate, Sense of Place

Belknap-Monroe North, Eastown, Heritage Hill, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, East Grand Rapids, Franklin-Eastern, Baxter

Single Girls Guide promotes safety and respect for women while dining

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, January 18, 2018

Are you a single lady? Or just a woman who wants to visit an establishment alone, knowing she is safe and in good company? Enter Single Girls Guide, the site we've all been waiting for.

Areas of Concern, Bars, Dining & Nightlife, Sense of Place, Small Business

RapidChat: Molly Singleterry

By Jenna Morton Thursday, January 11, 2018

"I am a writer—not a speaker," admits Molly Singleterry, host and organizer of CreativeMornings GR. But modesty must be one of this woman's strong suit—because it is clear that Molly is nothing short of wonderful at capturing everyone's attention within the (very crowded) room of this monthly speaker series.

Arts & Culture, Building Communities, RapidChat

Looking forward in 2018: Rapid Growth staff spells out their new year's hopes and dreams

By Rapid Growth Staff Thursday, January 11, 2018

For our first edition of 2018, the Rapid Growth staff divulges their hopes, their trepidations, and their goals for the new year. Here's what Rapid Growth is looking forward to in 2018.

Building Communities, Building Grand Rapids, Community Engagement

VIDEO: Celebrating the strength and spirit of a rising Muskegon

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, January 11, 2018

To mark the end of our On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore series, we present this video as a celebration of the spirit of Muskegon, of the amazing people and incredible work we’ve seen throughout the area.