Despite the nationwide recession, Grand Rapids development continues to move forward as a multi-million-dollar response to the health care upsurge and the promise of hundreds of related jobs. A concise look at current and future construction projects provides an impressive snapshot of West Michigan’s tenacity and vision.
According to excerpts from the story:
GRAND RAPIDS -- One look at construction projects in downtown Grand Rapids and someone might believe the urban center has bypassed the nation's economic bust. That would be an overstatement. Jay Fowler, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said it is a tough time to do deals despite the continuing construction. But thanks to unprecedented investments in health care facilities, dedicated local developers and lucky timing, downtown finds itself in the midst of a construction boom.
The price tag for ongoing projects -- more than $770 million -- is a historic high for the region, at the same time construction spending is down across the nation and activity is grinding to a halt in some areas. While spending is likely to see dramatic drops as major projects wrap up, another round of investments designed, in part, to capitalize on the current boom is on the drawing board.
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