By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist

 

The City of Grand Rapids has officially kicked off phase one of a two-phase reconstruction project to significantly enhance the driver, pedestrian, and cyclist experience in the Eastown District of Uptown Grand Rapids.

 

Phase one of the project began Monday, June 17, and will include various levels of reconstruction that will span the length of Robinson Road, from Lake Drive East to Plymouth Ave.

 

The City’s core objective in this undertaking is to replace and update existing water mains and lead services. While undergoing these needed improvements to the district’s infrastructure, the road will also receive design enhancements including curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossings, create more greenspace and rain gardens, better define the parking lane, and help slow traffic speeds. Additionally, the project will include bicycle lane installations on both sides of Robinson Road from Norwood Avenue to Plymouth Avenue. The project is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-November, and will begin its phase two – along Wealthy Street – at around the same timeframe next year.

 

While enthusiastic about the enhancements that this investment will ultimately provide to its neighborhood, Eastown’s business community has braced for impact. Construction often presents significant – albeit temporary- challenges in ensuring that business continues to flourish during this period of change. The Eastown Business Association and Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc., are working together diligently to communicate to West Michigan that their favorite small and independent businesses will remain open and are eager to serve! Additionally, the organizations have partnered with the City of Grand Rapids to assure signage is clear and easily interpreted, as well as to help communicate the latest information regarding accessing Eastown, navigation, parking, and pertinent updates to timelines. Our goal is to encourage the public to continue frequenting Eastown as often and with as much ease as possible.

Ingrid Miller, Executive Director of Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc. says: “We are committed to highlighting and supporting the businesses that will be impacted by this public improvement in hopes that the public will take the extra steps of planning to access the businesses along Robinson Road. We want people to know that Eastown is open for business and we can all shoulder the construction mess collectively.”

Here’s some additional logistics that you may find helpful in your future visits to Eastown this summer and fall:

BUSINESSES DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION:

 Matchbox Diner, Redux Books, Options Business Solutions, Yours Truly Galleria, Fruition, Argos Comics and Books, Connie’s Cakes, Eastown Salon, Lady Monarch, Modish Moth, Pursuit of Happiness Co., The Cat’s Pajamas Hotel, and Woodways International Cabinetry.

 

NAVIGATING THE DISTRICT:

Take a look at this simple map which helps to indicate the area directly impacted, as well as illustrates where you’ll find public parking, and temporary two-way allowances made on key streets.

We encourage neighbors and visitors to remember these helpful pointers as well –

 

PARK:

• Ethel Lot next to Earthly Refillery
• Wealthy Lot next to Chez Olga
• Kingsley Ramp next to Terra GR
• Metered and free parking is still available throughout the rest of the district, as per usual!

RIDE:

• Take Bus Route #6
• Find Micro-Mobility Stations (Bikes and Scooters) Throughout District
• Taxi, Uber, Lyft

ASK:

• Have questions about this or anything Uptown related? Emai us at info@uptowngr.com
• Want to stay current on the latest news and happenings in our district? Follow @uptowngr (FB/IG)