
Kate Carlson
Staff Writer, covers real estate and development and small businesses
Twitter: @BizCarlson
Email: [email protected]
Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives plans move to larger location
GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives plans to relocate to an 18,000-square-foot, three-story space in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood, which would be a major expansion for the organization.
Fair Housing Center of West Michigan awarded federal housing discrimination funds ‘in the nick of time’
GRAND RAPIDS — The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan is one of 11 agencies in the country receiving federal funding to support housing discrimination victims who have been increasingly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Standard opening first dispensary in Grand Rapids near Medical Mile
GRAND RAPIDS — New Standard plans to open its first dispensary in Grand Rapids with a new building in the city’s Midtown district near Medical Mile.
MDOT study of U.S. 131 to balance industrial, placemaking concerns
GRAND RAPIDS — The Michigan Department of Transportation has launched an online survey seeking public feedback on potential redesign strategies for a contentious segment of US-131 between 28th Street and Wealthy Street.
Holland reviewing single proposal to redevelop downtown waterfront property
HOLLAND — After a yearslong public feedback and planning process, the city of Holland is assessing the sole proposal it received after putting out a nationwide request to develop downtown waterfront property.
M&A Awards: New Special Olympics Michigan campus provides inclusive, cost effective wrap-around services
The first phase of construction work to turn the former South Christian High School into a $20 million Special Olympics Michigan Inc. Unified Sports and Inclusion Center is expected to wrap up in May.
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M&A Awards: Eastern Kille Distillery looks to continue growth after $3.75M sale of GR facility
Eastern Kille Distillery’s owners plan to ramp up barrel inventory and open a “world class” experience at an upcoming production facility with the huge return on investment the business made from selling its Grand Rapids property last year.
Eastern Kille Distillery plans outdoor cocktail garden, distillery along White Pine Trail
PLAINFIELD TWP. — The Plainfield Charter Township Planning Commission has approved Eastern Kille Distillery’s plan to relocate its distilling operation to a 16-acre property along the White Pine Trail.
Felch Street Shopping Center in Holland Twp. sold for $21M
HOLLAND TWP. — A privately held real estate company in Georgia recently purchased Felch Street Shopping Center in Holland Charter Township for $21 million.
Erhardt Construction ‘putting down roots’ in Muskegon with second office
MUSKEGON — General contractor, construction management and design firm Erhardt Construction Co. is opening a new office in Muskegon, company officials have announced.
Barrio taco restaurant set to open this spring in downtown Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — Barrio, a Cleveland-based taco chain with multiple locations in Michigan, is expected to open this spring on the first floor of the historic Helmer Building in downtown Grand Rapids.
Grand Haven restaurant The Toasted Pickle expanding with new downtown Rockford location
ROCKFORD — The Toasted Pickle specialty sandwich shop in Grand Haven is expanding with a second location in downtown Rockford at the former Ramona’s Table restaurant.
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Terrapin, JARS Cannabis launch scholarship program for minority cannabis entrepreneurs
GRAND RAPIDS — Terrapin Care Station and JARS Cannabis are partnering with Higher Learning Institutions to launch a year-long professional development program for minority entrepreneurs looking to get into the cannabis industry.
Redevelopment projects bring ‘new life’ to downtown Albion
ALBION — Businesses in the small eastern Calhoun County city of Albion mostly operated on the fringes of town until a slow but steady spark of development several years ago started breathing life back into downtown.
$12.2M Belknap Lookout affordable housing project aims to stop displacement in neighborhood
GRAND RAPIDS — Property once planned for a high-end residential project is now slated to be redeveloped into 52 affordable apartments in the city’s Belknap Lookout neighborhood.
Housing Kent takes next steps to address countywide housing insecurity
A Kent County housing organization has named a new president to oversee an action plan and raise funding after years of community-wide research on housing insecurity and homelessness.
GR officials consider ‘transformational’ 16-story apartment, condo tower at Studio Park
GRAND RAPIDS — A 16-story addition is planned for Studio Park downtown that would add another 165 apartments and at least 24 condominium units to the downtown development.
Long Road Distillers plans new tasting room, Less Traveled, in GR neighborhood
GRAND RAPIDS — Long Road Distillers LLC plans to bring a tasting room called Less Traveled to Grand Rapids’ East Hills neighborhood.
GR economic outlook shows slowed growth in 2022 linked to supply chain, inflation, talent
GRAND RAPIDS — Businesses in Grand Rapids, particularly in the service industry, expect slowed economic growth later this year as interest rates likely rise and labor and supply chain challenges continue.
Construction firm, cannabis company partner on new commercial development on GR’s west side
GRAND RAPIDS — Construction Simplified plans to move and expand its offices in Grand Rapids in preparation of eventually growing its presence across the country.
Dwelling Place seeks affordable housing on downtown GR surface parking lot
GRAND RAPIDS — Dwelling Place is planning major renovation work on its longtime affordable housing units in downtown Grand Rapids and continues to seek financing to convert a surface parking lot into more housing.
Several West Michigan companies earn perfect scores for LGBTQ equality in workplace
Several large West Michigan-based companies earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, a tool that scores how well businesses support LGBTQ people.
Film education programs aim to increase industry access in West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS — Victor Williams describes the Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator as a “dream space” that he wishes he had while growing up in Grand Rapids.
4 new venues join Grand Rapids live music, performance scene
GRAND RAPIDS — Several new businesses that opened last year are navigating the new landscape of hosting live entertainment during a pandemic.
Placemaking expert highlights pandemic policies’ ‘silver lining’ for downtowns
Salon owners plan coffee shop with cocktails in GR’s Alger Heights neighborhood
GRAND RAPIDS — A pair of small business owners are moving forward with plans for a coffee shop and cocktail lounge in the city’s Alger Heights neighborhood.
Grand Rapids joins national coalition to reduce emissions through building standards
GRAND RAPIDS — The city of Grand Rapids has joined 32 other state and local governments across the country in the National Building Performance Standard Coalition that the Biden administration rolled out on Jan. 22.
Brick Road Pizza Co. ‘killed’ by COVID after 13 years in business
GRAND RAPIDS — The owners of Brick Road Pizza Co. announced today that the family-owned staple will be closing its doors Sunday after 13 years in business on Wealthy Street.
Eastern Kille Distillery planning new GR tasting room on Wealthy Street
GRAND RAPIDS — Eastern Kille Distillery plans to build a presence on Grand Rapids’ east side with a new tasting room that will focus on handcrafted cocktails.
Rockford Construction generates $30M in recent GR property sales, to reinvest in new projects
GRAND RAPIDS — Affiliates of Rockford Construction Co. Inc. sold several Grand Rapids properties late last year for more than $30 million that will support the company’s investments in future projects.