New look coming to alleyway near Van Andel Arena

Elena Cousino
·1 min read

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The alleyway between Van Andel Arena and Ionia Avenue will soon look a lot different.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. hopes to start construction on the first phase of the Van Andel Linear Plaza by next year. It will connect Van Andel Arena on Fulton Street to Studio Park on Oakes Street. DGRI plans to have pedestrian-friendly paths, seating and green landscaping in that space.

From alley to linear park: The vision near Van Andel Arena

Bill Kirk, the communications director at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., said the changes with the alleyway will help connect the existing spaces downtown and create more outdoor seating areas for the public and nearby businesses.

Renderings of the linear park proposed between Van Andel Arena and Ionia Avenue in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Groundswell Design Group)
Renderings of the linear park proposed between Van Andel Arena and Ionia Avenue in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Groundswell Design Group)

“We think this is an opportunity to give it a little life, create a little activity and again, you know, play off the success of the Van Andel Arena in general and make that district just as lively as possible with cool spaces like the alley,” Kirk said.

The alleyway is currently being used to house dumpsters for the businesses on Ionia Avenue and for delivery trucks. Kirk said the dumpsters will be moved to the parking lot near HopCat and their design will allow for trucks to still make their deliveries through the alley.

DGRI hopes to start construction in the next year. They will need to have a portion of the linear plaza completed by 2026.

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