WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment
ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com The Announcer is delivered to you as a free monthly publication serving Allendale Township. It is brought to you by the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce.
KEY PROJECTS INCLUDE
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY & FINE ARTS UPGRADES
Improved spaces for career & trade skills and creative arts education
NEW MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDHOUSE
A space for athletics and community events
ROBOTICS & STEM BUILDING
Expanding hands-on learning opportunities in science and technology
ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES
Upgraded safety features across all schools
CLASSROOM EXPANSIONS & UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY
Modernized learning spaces at every grade level
ATHLETIC FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS and training areas
PLAYGROUND & CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS
Creating more inclusive and functional spaces
HVAC, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS and ease of access for all
LOCAL A endale's A endale's WEEKLY
MON
TUE
Understanding Your Membership - SBAM + Chamber Partnership at 8am, loc TBD
Hear Me Roar presented by Theatre at GVSU at 7:30pm
Diaper Ministry at Valley Church at 10am
29 Spring Artisan Craft Fair at Allendale High School at 9am
K-3 Below the Rim Basketball School at Evergreen Elementary at 9am, registration
FRI
SAT
Storytime at the Library at 10am
WERQ Fit - Lady Fit Class at West Michigan Elite Pom + Dance at 7:45pm, $13 drop in Trail Point Run Club meeting at 5:45pm, start at 6pm
Baby Storytime at the Library at 10am
Trivia at Peppino’s Pizzeria & Sports Grill at 6pm
Trivia at Trail Point at 7pm
Karaoke at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm
Barre Fit - Lady Fit at West Michigan Elite Pom + Dance at 8:15am, $13 drop in Trivia at Main St Pub starting at 8:30pm
Senior Fit Time at Love Inc on LMD at 11am, all abilities welcome
Slow Burn - Lady Fit at West Michigan Elite Pom + Dance at 12pm, $13 drop in Trivia at Farmhaus Cider at 7pm
Moms with Moms Group at the Library at 10am
Trivia at Embassy Bar and Grill starting at 8pm
Barre Fit - Lady Fit at West Michigan Elite Pom + Dance at 8am, $13 drop in Karaoke at Embassy Bar and Grill starting at 9pm
*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication
It’s no secret that people have been moving to Allendale at an incredible rate. In fact, Allendale’s population has more than doubled in the last 20 years. The area has experienced signi cant economic and residential growth, much of which can be attributed both to our central location and the expansion of Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Allendale has evolved from a primarily rural farming community into a suburban town, and its development re ects this shift. The increase in the town’s population has led to a greater demand for housing, resulting in new residential developments and changes in the local infrastructure. As more students and faculty from GVSU have made Allendale their home, local businesses have ourished to meet the needs of the growing community.
As people continue to move to Allendale, a recurring question is asked: “Where is Allendale’s downtown?” Allendale has started to answer that question. With the recent purchase of nearly 30 acres of land at the southwest corner of Lake Michigan Dr and 60th Avenue, Allendale now owns the property and can start to have real conversations around making a downtown a reality. So now the questions shift to “What if…?”
What if Allendale had a downtown? What if we could create a lively gathering place for our friends and families to enjoy? An interesting and functional place that speaks to Allendale’s unique identity? A place our residents and businesses want to be a part of?
In 2024, a unique collaboration began between the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce, the Allendale Township Downtown Development Authority, and GVSU’s Geography and Sustainable Planning Department. The goal of this partnership was to develop a research-based project aimed at conceptualizing a future downtown of Allendale. This project has enlisted the help of GVSU students, who are using their academic training to create a conceptual blueprint for a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown. This collaboration not only provides students with valuable hands-on experience, but also o ers the Allendale community a tangible vision of what a future downtown could potentially look like at zero cost to taxpayers: such initial plans usually cost tens of thousands of dollars. By combining the expertise of academic professionals with input from local stakeholders, the project is laying the groundwork for an innovative and sustainable downtown area that could signi cantly improve Allendale’s economic position, and enhance our quality of life.
As the project is still in its early stages, it presents a timely opportunity for GVSU students to ask, “What if Allendale had a downtown?” With their background in geography and sustainable planning, students are equipped to explore this question through rigorous research and practical solutions. Over the course of the project, which will hopefully span multiple semesters, the students will engage in a range of activities, including conducting surveys, interviewing local business owners, and gathering feedback from Allendale residents. These interactions are essential in ensuring that the conceptual plan re ects the desires and needs of the people who live and work in the area. By incorporating community input rst, the students are not simply creating a theoretical design, but a vision that re ects the goals of Allendale’s residents. The research and data gathered will ultimately provide the foundation for a series of renderings that will illustrate what a future downtown could look like, o ering the Allendale community a glimpse into the possibilities.
The role of GVSU students in this project is critical, as they are not only applying academic knowledge, but also gaining practical experience that will serve them well in their future careers. Through this initiative, students are applying the valuable skills they’ve learned in urban planning, geographic analysis, and community engagement, all of which are crucial for anyone pursuing a career in city planning. Additionally, the students are gaining
insights into the challenges and complexities of actually developing a downtown, while at the same time, making a meaningful contribution to their local community. This collaboration exempli es the value of university-community partnerships, as it allows GVSU students to make a positive contribution to have a direct impact on the area in which they live and study. The hands-on nature of the project ensures that the students will be well-prepared for the workforce, armed with practical experience that extends well beyond the classroom.
For the Allendale community, the project o ers a fresh perspective on how the town’s downtown could be developed in a way that honors its history, meets the needs of its residents, and supports future growth. The students’ work will provide a roadmap for how Allendale can transition from a highway-based economy to a vibrant, walkable downtown that serves as the heart of the community. This could attract new businesses, residents, and visitors, further boosting the local economy and improve the quality of life for those who call Allendale home. The conceptual blueprint will also help guide future development decisions, ensuring that they align with the long-term vision for the town, all while potentially reducing tra c-heavy sprawl. As Allendale continues to grow, the creation of a downtown could serve as a catalyst for economic development and community pride.
Looking forward, the collaborative e orts between the Allendale community and GVSU students are just the beginning of a larger vision for the town’s future. While the idea of a downtown is still in the conceptual phase, the work being done now will lay the foundation for what could eventually become the central hub of Allendale. The project serves as an exciting opportunity for both the community and students to engage in shaping the town’s future, blending the rich history of the area with forward-looking aspirations. The blueprint for a future downtown is more than just an academic exercise; it represents a tangible possibility for Allendale’s growth. As the project progresses, the dream of having a downtown may transition from “What if?” to “When.” This initiative is a celebration of the power of collaboration between students, residents, and local leaders, showing how a university-community partnership can transform a vision into a reality.
Township board mee�ng dates are March 10th and 24th at 6:00 pm. You can find board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendalemi.gov
The Residential Rental Housing Department would like to remind rental property owners that Rental Registration is due by March 31, 2025. Invoices will be generated and emailed by March 1st which may be paid online via a link on the invoice. An updated registration form must accompany your payment which may be completed and submitted online via a link on the invoice as well. Please visit our rental housing page for more info at www.allendalemi.gov or contact Shelly at 616-892-3114 or skowalczyk@allendalemi.gov. Thank you!
Keeping YOU informed!
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
