News Summary
LaFontsee Galleries is moving to the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, taking over the former Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Taproom. The new location is set to open in April 2026 after renovations that will honor the historic space. With a commitment to fostering community growth and enhancing local arts, the gallery will house an expansive selection of art, providing framing services and community engagement opportunities. The move comes in light of the brewery’s closure and marks a new era for LaFontsee Galleries in a rapidly developing area.
Grand Rapids is set to welcome a new art destination as LaFontsee Galleries and Framing prepares to relocate to the Creston Neighborhood, occupying the former Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Creston Brewery Taproom. The move is expected to foster community growth and honor the historical significance of the building, which dates back to 1924.
Owner Kate Meyer announced that renovations will begin at the new property located at 1504 Plainfield Ave at the beginning of the year, with an anticipated opening scheduled for April 1, 2026. The renovation plans include refinishing the original hardwood floors and adding walls and lighting specifically for displaying art. LaFontsee Galleries aims to utilize approximately 22,000 square feet of the building, which will host framing services on the first floor and gallery space on the second floor, while the basement will be designated for art storage and a library that is home to nearly 4,000 art pieces.
The decision for LaFontsee Galleries to move comes on the heels of Saugatuck Brewing Company’s closure of its Creston Brewery Taproom, along with their Kalamazoo location, in March. This closure was part of a strategic shift toward focusing on distribution. The gallery has been in its current location on Lake Drive for 13 years, operating in a space that spans 24,000 square feet. The new location will feature a slightly smaller space of 20,000 square feet, with a focus on adaptation and growth in an area that Meyer describes as “growing and booming.”
LaFontsee Galleries, established in 1987, has become a prominent showcase for contemporary art produced by Midwest artists and houses works priced between $100 and $10,000. The gallery currently represents over 80 local and international artists and offers custom framing services along with art consultation for both residential and corporate clients. Additionally, a satellite location operates within Plaza Towers in downtown Grand Rapids. The gallery recently also opened a seasonal location named LaFontsee Gallery and Art Consulting in Douglas, marking its return to the area after operating there until 2020.
Richard App, a specialist from the City of Grand Rapids, emphasized the significance of LaFontsee Galleries’ relocation, noting its role in supporting the arts community and the local economy. By moving to this historically-rich neighborhood, the gallery aims to become an integral part of the fabric of the community while enhancing the area’s cultural offerings.
The property that LaFontsee Galleries will take over has its own rich history. It was formerly a DeKorne Furniture showroom and has remained vacant for nearly a decade prior to its conversion into a brewery in 2016. With the gallery’s move, it is poised to breathe new life into the space while providing a vibrant atmosphere for artistic expression.
As the countdown to the opening begins, LaFontsee Galleries is preparing for a fresh chapter that involves not only a transition in location but also a commitment to continuing the legacy started by founders Scott and Linda LaFontsee. Following their acquisition of the gallery in 2023, Meyer has aimed to build upon their groundwork, ensuring that LaFontsee Galleries remains a destination for art lovers throughout the region.
In summary, LaFontsee Galleries and Framing’s impending move to the Creston Neighborhood signifies more than just a change of address; it represents a dedication to art, community, and growth that is likely to benefit both the gallery and the rapidly developing area.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17 Online: Update on Creston Brewery Taproom
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: LaFontsee Galleries New Home
- Google Search: LaFontsee Galleries
- Wood TV: LaFontsee Galleries Changes Ownership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Grand Rapids Magazine: LaFontsee Galleries Celebrates 30 Years
- Google Scholar: LaFontsee Galleries Art
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
