Now that the Grand Rapids City Commission has approved the sale of an 11.6-acre plot of land along the Grand River that developers want to build a new outdoor amphitheater on…much still remains to be done before construction crews can break ground.
The proposed 12,000 seat riverfront amphitheater would be constructed at 201 Market Avenue, where the Grand Rapids Public Service Department currently sits…
City officials say, the concert venue is just one part of a larger redevelopment plan for 31 acres of property along the Grand River. In addition to the venue, the site would include ground-floor retail space, parks and greenspace at the site. Most importantly say city officials however—affordable housing.
Still, there is a long way to go before construction begins, starting with the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority or the CAA coming up with $116 million by June 30th, when the sale would close.
However, CAA officials at the Grand Rapids Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday morning expressed optimism that it could be done…
With $81 million coming from private investment and donors, $15 million from selling portions of the site to private investors, and $30 million in state funding.
On Tuesday, city officials said the new Amphitheater would potentially host 54 events per year, and bring 300,000 visitors annually to Grand Rapids.