RiversideGR

Urban planning/transit/bicycle enthusiasts on social media have been gushing over the new protected bike lanes on Turner. I've come across multiple posts on twitter and facebook about it with thousands of likes. It's been fun to read the comments!

I don't have any insider knowledge so this is all speculation, but: CDKI (restaurant group which includes Sandy Point Beach House, Mexo, and Chicago Beef Joint) filed an electrical permit for the property they own at 2130 Plainfield. Back in 2017, they announced that they were going to open a restaurant/jazz bar at the location with a couple apartments above (Jazz restaurant shares plans | Crain's Grand Rapids Business (crainsgrandrapids.com) The plan then changed when they said they were going to re-open their tapas restaurant Zoko 822 at that location (Sandy Point Beach House restaurant coming to Grand Rapids - mlive.com) but covid put it on hold. Like I said, this is pure speculation, but could this be sign that they are moving forward with something there? With all the new developments in the area, it seems like a good time. Rendering from the 2017 concept: Building as it appears currently:

Nice to see something unique and local replacing a chain restaurant. One thing I love about downtown GR is that it isn't filled with chains like a lot of other downtowns.

The Creston Neighborhood newsletter confirmed that Arcane Pizza is moving into the brick and mortar location on Plainfield

Kingma’s completed their expansion. It definitely feels less cramped in there.

Something cool that I didn’t see in the Crains article but woodtv picked up: “The company adds they are collaborating with the city to install a clock near the intersection at Monroe Center Street and Division Avenue.”

Any context on these renderings? I want to believe this is happening but I’ve been duped in the past!

I love that they have roots in the Creston neighborhood. only bummer is that it’s take out only but I imagine you could probably eat it nextdoor at Quinn and Tuites?

This is such a bizarre story. I live in that area, but far enough away from it that I don't have much of a dog in this fight. I completely agree that it isn't "historic" by GR or even Creston standards. It was built in the 1940s. It's just a big house. Here are my observations: Since it was sold, a lot of money has been spent renovating the home. The current owners were the selling agents for the previous owner. A family who lives in the neighborhood was trying to buy it, but the agents ended up buying it (i'm not sure what the offers were but it seems a little unethical...) The current owners have been insisting that this is their "second home" since they purchased it, but they don't live there. They have been marketing it as a business (creating a facebook page for it, a website, etc.)...you don't really do that for your own home. If they are trying to ease into the neighborhood to start a venue, they are doing a really bad job. Instead of extending an olive branch, the owner (Max) posts weird antagonistic things on the neighborhood facebook group. It doesn't make him look any more likeable and kind of makes me root against him. Overall, it's just really strange. If the intent was to use it as some sort of venue from the start, shouldn't they have pursued the appropriate permits before putting all of this money into it?

What happened to the proposed apartment building at Leonard and Front Street? Is it still alive or is it dead?

IT'S HAPPENING

I was driving down Plainfield this morning and noticed a couple of things. First was at the location that at Page and Plainfield that has been a revolving door of pizza places. I noticed this food truck parked there and also saw what looks like some fresh work done to the pavement. I know i've seen this truck before but I can't remembe which one it is....wondering if they are just parking it there or if this is a hint of something to come..., Also saw this new Barber Shop at the corner of Julia and Plainfield

If it's a local business, I try to keep my negative opinions to myself. Maybe I'm too empathetic, but one review from one customer's bad experience can really hurt a business. But I do think some restaurants here get away with charging top dollar for sub-par food.

I just don't understand why it isn't for sale or for lease. It was purchased in February 2019 and has just sat vacant....why not try to get a tenant in there?

Interview with Mark Secchia with discussion of his restaurant/venue with indoor bocce courts: Mark Secchia returns home, but shies away from old-guard of Grand Rapids power brokers | Crain's Grand Rapids Business (crainsgrandrapids.com)

News story about the long-vacant building being converted into a wine bar/flower shop: Long-abandoned Grand Rapids, Michigan storefront to find new life | wzzm13.com Looking like completion in Spring 2024 now.

A view from behind

I'm just happy it isn't Amway...$30m isn't chump change either.

I think it awesome that we are seeing in an increase in indoor bars with activities...duckpin bowling, bocce, golf simulator....they can be used all year round but even better for the months where the weather sucks. Another city lived in had a bar with a cool mini-golf course inside. that would also be a nice addition.

I like that they are installing a snowmelt system! I hope we will see more of that incorporated into the riverfront development.

Anyone know what is going into the infamous (former) mattress store at the corner of Ann and Plainfield? It had "for lease" signs up forever and now the signs are down and there are indicators that someone is moving in.

i just found the listing and it's being sold with the adjoining property as well. asking $1.5 mil 1209 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 - MLS 23031018 - Coldwell Banker (coldwellbankerhomes.com)

The Choo Choo Grill property is for sale....it would be sad to see it go because it is kind of a neighborhood staple.... anyone know if that building would be historically protected or if the property could potentially be fully redeveloped? Choo Choo Grill for sale as owners head for retirement | Crain's Grand Rapids Business (crainsgrandrapids.com)

love the emphasis on late-night food options. we are really lacking in that department!

they filed permits for a kitchen remodel. Whatever it is, I will just be happy to see that building in use again.