Note: LISC's online content is accessible in any browser. However, if you are reading this, your browser may not display this site's design details. We suggest upgrading to a standards compliant browser to fully experience the design of this site.

Skip directly to: Search Box, Section Navigation, Content.
Normal | Print PRINTER FORMATTED VERSION
PROGRAMS
MAIN STREET INITIATIVES

Heartside / Grand Rapids


LISC provides support in Grand Rapids for Main Street Initiatives to facilitate affordable housing and economic development in the community.  Creation of the Heartside Main Street Initiative was undertaken in an effort to attract new businesses and encourage public and private investments along South Division Avenue, between Fulton and Wealthy Streets, in the Heartside District.

LISC support for the Heartside Main Street Initiative came at an opportune time.  Division Avenue had become the focus of statewide attention as the region prepared for thousands of motorists to use the street as a detour route through downtown Grand Rapids while a major six-lane freeway was closed for reconstruction.  City and State officials promised to invest milllions of dollars in neighborhood improvements to mitigate the impact of the project and redesign the streets and public spaces after the detour was no longer needed.  The Main Street Initiative represeneted a timely opportunity to help the Heartside District organize its resources and leverage short-term and planned investments in the neighborhood to change negative public perceptions about the area and attract new businesses.