Grand Rapids Business News
BUSINESS NEWS
Grand Rapids Set for New Housing Development
News Summary A new housing development is underway in the Boston Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Two local businessmen plan to construct a four-story building with 27 apartments and commercial...
Grand Rapids Urban Development Initiatives
News Summary Grand Rapids is gearing up for significant urban development with several projects under review, including a mixed-use development and a 72-unit apartment complex on Ball Avenue NE. The...
Microsoft Acquires Land for Potential Data Center in Gaines Township
News Summary Microsoft has purchased 316 acres of land for $45.3 million in Gaines Charter Township, aiming to potentially develop a data center. This strategic acquisition aligns with plans to...
Local Veteran Inspires Creativity in Children with Wimee the Robot
News Summary A local veteran in Grand Rapids has launched Wimee the Robot, a puppet character designed to inspire children’s creativity and interest in STEM education. Created by Michael Hyacinthe,...
Grand Rapids Celebrates Top Mexican Restaurants
News Summary Grand Rapids has been recognized for its vibrant Mexican food scene as part of the Best of Grand Rapids Contest, showcasing the top 10 Mexican restaurants in the...
Grand Rapids Faces Industrial Real Estate Shortage
News Summary Grand Rapids is experiencing a critical shortage of industrial real estate, with vacancy rates dropping to 2.9%, well below the national average of 6.8%. The demand for industrial...
Kentwood Expands Housing Availability with New Developments
News Summary Kentwood is addressing its housing shortage with two new residential projects, Walnut Woods and Hope Haven, which will provide a total of 123 homes. Walnut Woods will feature...
Grand Rapids Welcomes New Vintage Audio Equipment Store
News Summary Bring Back Analog, a new store dedicated to vintage audio equipment, has opened its doors in Grand Rapids. Owner Steve Huizinga aims to fill the gap in the...
New Restaurant Construction Begins at Green Ridge Square
News Summary Construction has commenced for a new restaurant at Green Ridge Square shopping center in Walker, Michigan. Located at 3130 Alpine Ave. NW, the addition is aimed at enhancing...
Finance
Grand Rapids Urban Development Initiatives
News Summary Grand Rapids is gearing up for significant urban development with several projects under review, including a mixed-use development and a 72-unit apartment complex on Ball Avenue NE. The...
Steelcase Reports Strong Q1 Earnings Amid Microsoft Property Sale
News Summary Steelcase Inc. announced a net income of $13.6 million for its fiscal first quarter, driven by an adjusted earnings per share of 20 cents on revenue of $779...
C&S Wholesale Grocers to Acquire SpartanNash for $1.77 Billion
News Summary SpartanNash, a prominent grocery retailer in Michigan, is set to be acquired by C&S Wholesale Grocers for approximately $1.77 billion. The deal, which offers a 52.5% premium on...
Kent County Increases Hotel Tax to Support Tourism
News Summary Kent County has raised its hotel tax from 5% to 8%, aiming to boost tourism revenue for local projects. The change, approved by voters, has generated nearly $1...
LACROIX Electronics Announces Facility Closures in Grand Rapids
News Summary LACROIX Electronics will close its production facility in Grand Rapids, resulting in 115 layoffs. This move follows a significant revenue decline and aims to streamline operations. The closures...
Comcast RISE Program Offers $3 Million Grant to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon
News Summary Small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon can apply for a grant package through the Comcast RISE program, which has allocated $3 million to support their growth. The...
UFP Industries Announces First Quarter Earnings from Grand Rapids
News Summary UFP Industries, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, revealing a net income of $78.8 million but falling short of analyst expectations. Despite...
Major Developments Begin in Grand Rapids
News Summary Grand Rapids is witnessing significant changes as the demolition of the former Christian Reformed Church headquarters begins. Meijer has acquired the site and plans to construct a new...
CONSTRUCTION
Grand Rapids Faces Industrial Real Estate Shortage
News Summary Grand Rapids is experiencing a critical shortage of industrial real estate, with vacancy rates dropping to 2.9%, well below the national average of 6.8%. The demand for industrial...
New Restaurant Construction Begins at Green Ridge Square
News Summary Construction has commenced for a new restaurant at Green Ridge Square shopping center in Walker, Michigan. Located at 3130 Alpine Ave. NW, the addition is aimed at enhancing...
New Townhomes Under Construction in Grand Rapids
News Summary Eight new townhomes are being built at 638 E Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, addressing the need for middle-income housing. Developer Adam Rogalski aims to create accessible rental...
Raising Cane’s to Open First Location in Kentwood
News Summary A new Raising Cane’s restaurant is under construction at 3650 28th St. SE, Kentwood, set to open by December 2025. This marks the chain’s first presence in West...
Walker Proposes $370 Million Aquarium Project Amid Environmental Concerns
News Summary Walker plans to develop a $370 million aquarium at a former landfill site, facing challenges from past contamination. The project promises significant economic benefits, including job creation and...
New Senior Living Facility Under Construction in Wyoming, MI
News Summary A new 84-unit senior living facility is under construction at 4051 Del Mar Drive SW in Wyoming, MI, with completion expected in October 2026. Developed by Encore Senior...
New Dunkin’ Donuts Locations Approved in Grand Rapids Area
News Summary The Grand Rapids area has recently seen the approval of two new Dunkin’ Donuts locations by local planning commissions. One will be situated in Kentwood, replacing a former...
Plainfield Charter Township Approves New Mixed-Use Development
News Summary Plainfield Charter Township has approved plans to redevelop the former fire station site into a mixed-use project that includes housing and a ReStore. The development will feature a...
Grand Rapids Roadwork on Plainfield Avenue Raises Concerns
News Summary Grand Rapids businesses brace for challenges as major roadwork on Plainfield Avenue is set to begin in August and last until late September. The construction aims to improve...
Marketing
Comcast RISE Program Offers $3 Million Grant to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon
News Summary Small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon can apply for a grant package through the Comcast RISE program, which has allocated $3 million to support their growth. The...
Real Estate
TerrAscend Exits Michigan Cannabis Market
News Summary TerrAscend Corp. has announced its decision to exit the Michigan cannabis market due to financial challenges, closing all 20 dispensaries and impacting around 1,200 employees. The closures are...
Luxurious Lakefront Estate in Northport, MI Now for Sale
News Summary A remarkable lakefront estate at 9371 Onominese Trail in Northport, Michigan, is listed for $5.95 million. This modern property features over 500 feet of private Lake Michigan shoreline...
Michigan Homebuilders Challenge New Energy Codes in Court
News Summary Industry groups representing Michigan homebuilders have filed lawsuits against the state to block new energy efficiency building codes set to take effect in August 2025. Builders argue the...
Burlington Stores Set to Open Two New Locations in Michigan
News Summary Burlington Stores is expanding its footprint in Michigan with the grand openings of two new locations in Brighton and Burton, scheduled for July 25, 2025. The stores aim...
Michigan Avenue Construction Impacting Local Businesses
News Summary The ongoing Michigan Avenue construction project in Lansing has been challenging for local businesses since April, as road closures and detours disrupt operations. The project aims to enhance...
Michigan Manufacturing Sector Sees $13 Billion Investment Surge
News Summary Michigan’s manufacturing sector has announced over $13 billion in investments since 2022, aiming to revive the state’s economy and create thousands of jobs. Key projects include Ford’s BlueOval...
M-45 Road Resurfacing Project Begins in Michigan
News Summary A $2 million road resurfacing project on M-45 in Allendale, Michigan, has kicked off, focusing on improving a vital east-west corridor. The Michigan Department of Transportation is overseeing...
Stunning Mears Estate Listed at $6.7 Million
News Summary A breathtaking estate featuring two homes is now on the market in Mears, Michigan, for $6.7 million. The property boasts 687 feet of private beach on Lake Michigan...
Construction Begins on 60-Mile Water Transmission Pipeline
News Summary Construction has commenced on a 60-mile pipeline to transport water from Lake Michigan to suburbs around Chicago, benefiting several communities. The project aims to address water supply issues...
