The City of Grand Rapids approved a $1.8 million contract with Owen-Ames-Kimball Company to enhance and waterproof Calder Plaza. City Engineer Tim Burkman acknowledged the importance of the plaza during the most recent Community Development Committee meeting, saying the city’s 175th birthday celebration happened during what would have been Festival of the Arts.
“Calder Plaza has been a significant city asset since 1969 when the La Grande Vitesse was installed, and that served as the inspiration to the first Festival of the Arts that was held downtown celebrating the arts in West Michigan.”
Now the city will continue improving Calder Plaza.
“Enhancements that are being considered at this point include added green space, increased shade, dedicated event space, daily gathering spaces, accessibility improvements and more.”
This work builds on recent improvements over the past five years such as an added elevator from the Government City Ramp and repairs to and repainting of La Grande Vitesse.
“All of these projects are improvements that were needed to bring this 1969 site up to community expectations.”
Funding for these projects comes from the Capital Improvement Fund, Facilities Management Capital Fund, Parking System Fund, and the Downtown Development Authority.
