Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Inc. - Heartside Neighborhood

The Avenue for the Arts Project included the historic renovation of seven buildings, streetscape improvements, creation of public art and murals, and the development of 35 loft apartments.

Highlights:

• The project has attracted artists to live in the area, which was one of the goals.
• Dwelling Place manages over 50 live/work units, and has experienced substantial growth. The rent fund recovered from the tenants covers all additional costs, and the actual arts aspect feeds on itself, which makes it all sustainable.
• The other organizations that were involved in the project were the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Division Avenue Arts Co-op, Sanctuary Folk Art, Calvin College, Heartside Neighborhood Association, Heartside Businesses Association, Arts Council, Steelcase Foundation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and several individual philanthropists. 
• $13 million was investment in the area. 
• There now are people living in the area, whereas before there were no residents on this block of Division Avenue. 
• Development has increased dramatically. There are now two restaurants, architectural firms, market-rate live/work spaces, Calvin College, gallery space, retail stores, a bicycle shop, and increased revenue for pre-existing businesses.
• Republic/Rockwell restaurant credits this project as the main reason for locating in the downtown Grand Rapids area. 
• DTS Winkelmann Architects would not have moved onto Division Avenue before the catalyst project.
• Dwelling Place reported in 2005:
  • 13 new businesses have opened along South Division Avenue.
  • 60 new jobs have been created.
  • There has been $6,341,000 in public investment.
  • There also has been $99,100,000 in private investment.
  • In addition to the 35 units of affordable housing that are being developed by Dwelling Place as part of Avenue for the Arts, there are 20 residential units being created at 101 South Division Avenue, 13 residential units at 71 South Division Avenue, and 10 condominiums are planned for Front Row Condominiums on Monroe Center.
• Dwelling Place reported in 2006:
  • Over the last year we have received over 13 press articles linked to the progress of our Cool Cities Project. Additionally, the Avenue for the Arts businesses and residents have been featured in no less than nine articles featuring their personal projects, community events, and business entrepreneurship.
  • Since the area has become a Cool Cities Neighborhood, the Avenue for the Arts business owners have begun taking an active role in promoting the neighborhood. Accompanying a process to officially brand the area, residents and business owners have begun a promotions committee, which works to create group advertising. This group creates media advertising and is inclusive of all of the businesses in the neighborhood. Additionally, the group has begun making plans for a fall fundraiser. All of the proceeds from the event will go toward Avenue for the Arts area-wide promotions over the next few months.
  • In 2006 the Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, along with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, offered business classes to the 32 new residents located in the Martineau apartments. These classes were created to expand and inform residents of business-related information. This was done to help reinforce the economic growth and development of the area as an Arts district.
  • Located in the center of the Avenue for the Arts, the Martineau Apartments is a unique location for artists to live and work, and is quickly becoming a destination for art collectors and appreciators. Opened in 2005, the Martineau project features 23 live/ work spaces for low- to moderate-income artists. “The apartments have allowed me a place to showcase and headquarter my business. We can invite clients in for meetings as well as use the space creatively. I think being a part of the artist’s community that works together has helped me with growth opportunities.” – Artist/Resident 
  • The residents of Martineau enjoy the sense of community established in the neighborhood. When discussing what most appealed to one of Martineau’s newest residents, she said, “The concept of being surrounded by a community of creative minds is appealing to me as well as being involved in an up and coming ‘arts’ neighborhood.” The creation of community is important to many of the Martineau residents, who have worked together to create various building-wide events. These Martineau events, DIVISION NOW and DIVISION IS ART, have welcomed over 400 arts appreciators who have dropped by to see the newly renovated spaces, meet the artists, enjoy live music, and nosh on appetizers. The next Martineau event, WORKING DIVISION, is scheduled for July 8 (2006).
  • Meeting the artists in their homes and studios is a unique opportunity to see what the Grand Rapids artists are up to, enjoy live music, and to purchase work on display. Visitors have reacted with enthusiasm. “It was interesting as well as exciting moving from one apartment to the other because they looked so very different from the last one you were in,” said one of the visitors. “[The spaces] show diversity throughout the building.” The Martineau apartments are affordable, with rental prices starting around $577 a month. The units feature open loft-style spaces with amenities designed to appeal to artists, such as ample natural light, hardwood floors, access to soundproof rooms for musicians, high ceilings, and primed walls. Some of the apartments also feature amenities such as utility sinks, atrium skylights, exterior decks, and direct street access. The Martineau project was constructed as a “green project” and qualifies for LEED certification.
  • We have seen a transformation of our business district, which has officially branded itself as the Avenue for the Arts and has recently welcomed eight new businesses. Additionally, with the completion of projects such as the Martineau Apartments, we have new residents moving into the area. Designed with the artist in mind, the Martineau Apartments have attracted 32 local artists to live and work in the Avenue for the Arts, and their successful public events have drawn new visitors to the area increasing the business district’s visibility and vibrancy. 
  • The Avenue for the Arts has received a total street renovation that has included a more pedestrian-friendly design, historic street lighting, and functional public artwork.
  • Our neighborhood boasts of several public artworks, including two created with Cool Cities funding. The first project created benches and tree guards along the 100 Block of South Division. These pieces add a distinct flair to the neighborhood, showcasing the creative talent of Michigan residents. A mural that includes some sculptural elements is being created by local artists and will a centerpiece be created for the neighborhood, attractive for a developing green space. Surrounding the Avenue for the Arts, catalyst project development is flourishing.
  • “The honor of being chosen as a Cool Cities area has helped us to erase the stigmas attached to our neighborhood. The Cool Cities designation is a recognizable brand, helping to create public awareness of our creative and economic growth. We have had a number of community events, projects and developments that have been included in our neighborhood since receiving the Cool Cities Designation. As a Cool Cities neighborhood we hope to continue growing and prospering.” – Dennis Sturtevant, award designee contact.