By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Uptown GR, Inc. hosted its second annual Uptown Impact Awards event on Wednesday, March 18, bringing together its Annual Meeting with its newer, community-voted Impact Awards program. The sold-out event took place at The Grey Rabbit in the Wealthy Street District, where guests enjoyed music, light fare, and an evening of connection while hearing updates from organization leadership.
Uptown Annual Report
The organization shared its achievements from the past year, including expanded community outreach, support for local businesses, increased event offerings, and significant improvements to pedestrian spaces. We invite you to take a look at our full report!
Volunteers of the Year
Uptown recognized these standout contributors from its network of nearly 60 volunteers:
Arielle Leipham-Ellis for her tenure as UGRI’s second-ever Board President
Lee Hardy for 2025’s Best Community Builder
Meagan Coburn for 2025’s Volunteer of the Year, who shared this heartwarming and threflective sentiment regarding the importance she places on volunteerism and community, in response to her win:
“I often say that Grand Rapids is the biggest little small town. Meaning we’re so lucky that when you want to know more, you want to see change at the park, you wish there were safer walkways, you want to see something new – the access point is so easy and welcoming to join a place like Uptown and immediately be part of building the community you want to live in. I truly believe at the deepest level that we must start sitting on our front porches again and saying hi to one another if we’re ever going to come back together in society. That’s it. It starts on our front porches. Great places to live are the result of wonderfully familiar yet anonymous faces simply…saying hi. Complimenting your yard. Tossing that trash left on the bench. Calling 3-1-1 to report broken park equipment for the kids. And just generally believing that we all have gifts to give, whether by time, talent or treasure. You just have to start. And for me, Uptown is the amplifier of my efforts. Because whatever each of us individuals puts in, Uptown’s organization and vision helps amplify every one of our efforts towards the collective goal.”
Impact Award Winners
Now in its second year, these awards invite public voting to celebrate Uptown businesses, across four distinct categories. This year’s honorees are:
2025 Best New Business: Unwind GR
Unwind GR is our city’s newest and coolest yarn shop and community maker-space where guests can shop high-quality, thoughtfully curated fiber and craft materials while connecting through workshops, classes, and shared creativity. Founded by former public school art teachers, the team is dedicated to fostering a welcoming hub for fiber arts enthusiasts to learn, create, and unwind together. 1059 Wealthy St SE Suite D.
2025 Best Community-Building Business: Speciation Cellars
Tucked into a repurposed historic auto shop, Speciation Artisan Ales is known for its experimental, nature-inspired approach to brewing, featuring wild ales, oak-aged sours, and thoughtfully crafted beverages. The taproom offers a creative, laid-back space with events, live music, and a strong sense of local character and community. 928 Wealthy St SE.
2025 Best Glow-Up: Hermitage at Diamond
Restoration is well underway on this 150-year-old church turned arts and community hub, thanks to Preservationist Carol Moore, whose efforts to bring blighted historical spaces back online and thriving, have been a key component in restoring charm and vitality to the district. Once completed, Hermitage at Diamond will aim to blend historic preservation with contemporary creativity through exhibitions, performances, and neighborhood programming. It’s envisioned as a vibrant gathering space that connects art, culture, and community. 1009 Hermitage St SE.
2025 Best Legacy Businesses: A tie score! Each of these winners will celebrate their 50th year in business this year –
Gallery 154
One of the oldest galleries in Grand Rapids, Gallery 154 showcases work from over 150 artists and offers an eclectic mix of art, jewelry, and unique gifts. Its long-standing presence and ever-changing inventory make it a staple for creative discovery in Eastown. 1456 Lake Dr SE.
Yesterdog
A beloved Eastown institution since 1976, Yesterdog is known for its no-frills, cash-only hot dogs and nostalgic, character-filled interior that hasn’t changed in decades. It’s widely considered one of Grand Rapids’ most iconic and enduring local eateries. 505 Wealthy St SE.
Congrats to Eastown for the legacy category sweep! And a giant thanks to everyone who took the time to support local business with your votes.
