Grand Rapids Eyes 2 Sites for Convention Hotel
Which Grand Rapids Hotel Sites Are in Play? Narrowing the field, planners are now focusing on two sites for the proposed Grand Rapids convention hotel: the U.S. Postal Service center at 225 Michigan St. NW and a Downtown Development Authority parking lot south of Van Andel Arena. The Convention/Arena Authority approved a proof-of-concept and initial design study covering a 400- to 600-room hotel with meeting and event space. Progressive Companies is conducting the feasibility work, expected to conclude in about 13 weeks. DeVos Place sits in a walkable downtown area with easy access to more than 50 nearby attractions, shops, and museums. The USPS parcel has appeared in earlier studies and remains under review because of its downtown setting, transit access, and potential community impact. Similar redevelopment efforts elsewhere have underscored the value of community engagement in shaping large downtown projects. Past efforts there were complicated by issues involving federal property...