“The Rapid public-transit system is paying HDR Inc. $293,895 to refine the 2008 study, updating what an electric streetcar line would cost and how the money could come together. An advisory committee started meeting last month.
“‘We’re going to build on that (2008 study),’ said John Logie, a former Grand Rapids mayor who is chairman of the committee. ‘We think the timing is right. The economy is coming back.'”
Some 400,000 people will pay a visit to downtown Grand Rapids over the next month. It’s hard to avoid Art Prize Fever, especially with the “Ninkasi, Goddess of Beer” installation (by Kolenda) at the new Founders Tap Room! I don’t have any more 2013 spoilers for you, but here are some links to a few national and local ArtPrize articles, as well as a few of my favorite photos from 2012.
“Ninkasi, Goddess of Beer”
at Founders Brewing, 2013
Art Prize Articles
The Rapidian: Some of the Best ArtPrize Coverage, Written by Citizen Journalists
MLIVE: Art Prize by the Numbers
Grand Rapids Press: Archive
Time Magazine: Five Festive Events You Won’t Want to Miss in 2013
GQ: So You Think You Can Paint
Wall Street Journal: Critical Mass
New York Times: West of Chelsea: A Local ArtPrize?
BBC: Oil Painting Wins $250,000 Prize
MLIVE: Is Music Art?
Examiner: Synopsis
Washington Post: Travel
Markdahle: Tips for Visiting ArtPrize
Here are some photos I took in 2012
GRAND RAPIDS — A dilapidated produce distribution center at the southern end of downtown could become a hub of commerce for local farmers, food makers and artisans as part of a $27 million urban market concept unveiled Wednesday.
Grand Action, the private group that led efforts to build the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place, said it would forge ahead with plans to develop an urban market offering space for vendors to create and sell a variety of foods and other goods.
The market also is envisioned as an educational facility with a greenhouse, demonstration kitchen and meeting rooms that will help people better understand local food systems while teaching about healthier eating.
The preferred location is the 3.5-acre former Sonneveldt Produce Co. complex, 435 Ionia Ave. SW. The site is visible from U.S. 131, south of Wealthy Street.