How Downtown Grand Rapids’ Landscape Has Changed In A Very Short

I was born at the turn of the century and have quite literally grown up in the city of Grand Rapids, as the city itself has "grown up". What I mean by that is the city is in a period of boom where it seems like some new building project is announced every other week.

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From the new Acrisure Amphitheatre to a new soccer stadium, all of which are expected to be completed in the next few years, the streets of GR have never looked more different. If you've been away from the city in the last decade and are visiting today, you'd be in for a shock.

Grand Rapids' Revitalization

Grand Rapids' big boom can be credited to the construction of the Van Andel Arena, which began in 1994 and was completed in 1996, bringing a 12,000-person multi-use venue to the city. This new arena proved to be a massive boon for the city, spawning a slew of new restaurants and businesses around the venue.

READ MORE: Grand Rapids’ 20 Fulton Apartment Banner Finally Comes Down

Since then, the city has seen a host of new buildings constructed throughout the city and its surrounding districts, with development really taking off after 2008. So much so, that Beer City USA has been named as the fastest growing city in the country. Big names and global companies are investing in the city, and the city is reaping the rewards.

Let's take a look back in time to see how the city has changed in a relatively short period.