West Grand

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.
 

Innovation News Angela Nelson

Working in the City: Angela Nelson


Young Professional Spotlight: Zyra Castillo


Feature Story Buffalo Traders

A spirited quest: The journey to find Grand Rapids' best cocktails


StartUp News: UberEATS arrives in Grand Rapids


Local business holiday roundup


StartUp Spotlight: Wodul


Innovation News INcultured

Strictly Business: The women who own Grand Rapids


Innovation News INsteelriver1

Steel River: Fitness and growth


Development News DEVGrainLogo

Grain Sandwich Shops brings quick-stop lunch option to Grand Rapids’ Westside


Innovation News INVGallafe

Gallafe: Gallery + Cafe and the first Grand Rapid's Asian Festival


StartUp Spotlight: Treefort VR


WMCAT’s new HQ to act as non-profit anchor of West Side development project in growing neighborhood


Innovation News INtaco

Latinx Restaurant Roundup


Feature Story FTburtonheights

Neighborhoods of GR: Southside, my side


Innovation News CElogo

Local firm Mindscape redefines marketing through relationship building


MetaFi: Local App developed to track mental health


Innovation News INsmith1

Lajanae Smith: Local artist and filmmaker