Revitalizing Downtown Grand Rapids
A Vision for Growth
Revitalizing Downtown Grand Rapids
A Vision for Growth
Over the past two decades, we have contributed to the planning and development of key Grand Rapids, Michigan projects, including the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Soccer Stadium, and the Fulton and Market mixed-use development. These initiatives envision a vibrant riverfront and Westside community, integrating diverse uses, green spaces, and sustainable development.
In collaboration with regional, state, and national partners, the city engaged additional consultants to design a connected and equitable river corridor plan aimed at restoring the historical relationship between the Grand River and the people of Grand Rapids. Building on this corridor study, Progressive Companies played a pivotal role as a key project advisor, providing strategic leadership to help bring these visions to life.
GR Forward West Side Area Specific Plan
Amphitheater Site Selection
Recommendations for Riverfront Sites on the Market Avenue Corridor Bridge South Study
Amphitheater Construction Breaks Ground
THE START OF PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES INVOLVEMENT River for All GR Parks and Recreation
A Growing Destination
Fulton and Market Conceptual Planning
Soccer Stadium and Amphitheater Proof of Concepts
Fulton and Market Riverfront Destination
Our technical expertise in design, development, and construction bridged the gap between concept and implementation. With a deep understanding of the political and ethical landscape, combined with a proven track record of successful projects, we earned the trust of city leadership and stakeholders.
"Grand Rapids will be nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all."
- Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Master Plan, 2017
Grand Rapids Riverwalk
A Trusted Partner
Leadership and Community Engagement
Our ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results has made us an indispensable partner in the transformation of Grand Rapids. Collaborating with Grand Action 2.0—a not-for-profit economic development organization dedicated to identifying and advancing transformational capital projects—we ensured that each initiative was grounded in national-level expertise and a deep commitment to the local community. Grand Action, 2.0’s mission to galvanize public support, leverage public and private investments, and implement funding strategies, including securing privatesector contributions to complement public-sector funding, was instrumental in driving these projects forward.
The Fulton and Market development, an $870 million initiative, the $184 million amphitheater project, and the $157 million soccer stadium exemplify the scale and complexity of these transformative efforts. Beyond confirming budgets, we worked closely with stakeholders to identify partners and innovative approaches to funding. Collaborating with incentive consultants, we explored creative revenue sources and funding strategies to raise the capital necessary to execute these projects. Our role extended beyond cost analysis to finding practical solutions that made these ambitious visions a reality.
One of the most significant challenges was relocating the trunk sewer, a critical project without which further development would not have been possible. This $25 million undertaking involved moving a mainline sewer from its original
location—bisecting properties along the Grand River from Fulton Street to Wealthy Street—into the Market Avenue right-of-way. The abandoned sewer, a massive cast-in-place structure built in the 1890s, spanned 2,200 feet and measured 11.25 feet tall by 12 feet wide. The new sewer, a 96-inch-diameter precast concrete structure, totals 2,450 feet. This relocation not only freed up prime riverfront parcels for redevelopment but also addressed long-standing infrastructure barriers, enabling future growth. Thanks to our extensive experience working with the City of Grand Rapids, we led this project with precision, identifying the need for additional collaborators and ensuring seamless execution.
Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we championed these projects by fostering partnerships and conducting extensive outreach. Partnering with Populous, a global firm specializing in large-scale design projects, and Grand Action 2.0, we engaged over 30 stakeholders—including developers, venue operators, and the chamber of commerce—to align these projects with community aspirations.
The vision for the amphitheater, stadium, and Fulton and Market development emphasized dense, mixed-use urban growth while prioritizing environmental restoration. By preserving the river’s edge for greenways and trails, these projects balanced urban development with sustainable practices, providing public access to the Grand River and enhancing the city’s connection to its natural environment.
Building a Legacy
A Collaborative Partnership
Through over 50 additional stakeholder meetings and discussions with city commissioners and state legislators, we ensured alignment with community goals, creating a strong foundation for success. Our partnership with Grand Action 2.0 was built on mutual trust, transparency, and shared expertise. While Grand Action 2.0 provided capital, political support, and economic impact analysis, we delivered technical leadership, client leadership, and design capabilities. This synergy ensured the projects addressed both immediate community needs and long-term aspirations.
These initiatives are more than destinations; they are catalysts for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and environmental restoration. By leveraging the collective expertise of local and national partners, these projects reconnect the city with its riverfront, enhance public spaces, and strengthen Grand Rapids’ identity.
The Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority (CAA) will serve as the operator and owner of the amphitheater and soccer stadium, ensuring these projects remain integral to the city’s cultural and economic fabric.
These transformative projects are a testament to the power of collaboration, leadership, and a shared vision for a brighter future in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Acrisure Amphitheater
Grand Rapids, MI
Breaking ground in 2024, the Acrisure Amphitheater will seat 12,000 people, host 54 ticketed events each year, and anchor an entire redevelopment plan that will transform 31 acres along the Grand River. The completed development will feature 10 acres of riverfront green space, recreation, retail and commercial opportunities, and 1,700 housing units for people of all incomes.
With room for 12,000 people, the Acrisure Amphitheater will appeal to big name performers looking for an outdoor venue with more capacity than similar places nearby. Additionally, event-goers throughout the region will be drawn to the amphitheater’s variety of seating options, including an upper and lower concourse, fixed and lawn seating, suites, a terrace, and a VIP pavilion.
The full impact of this new development, however, will be felt far beyond the structure itself. Residents and event planners will find the amphitheater’s park-like setting an ideal space for a variety of formal and informal gatherings throughout the year. The site will also be home to a new riverfront trail, which will connect 60 miles of trailways from all directions and provide a more scenic way for people to explore downtown Grand Rapids and nearby neighborhoods.
Amway Stadium
Grand Rapids, MI
The Amway Stadium will be a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven design. It represents not only a sporting venue but a symbol of Grand Rapids’ commitment to progress and inclusivity, poised to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike for years to come. The partnership between Grand Action Foundation 2.0, the Grand Rapids- Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, the City of Grand Rapids, and Progressive Companies aims to bring this transformational project to life.
Community engagement was a priority for all stakeholders from the outset. Fourteen intensive sessions were conducted, gathering feedback from diverse stakeholders, including neighborhood associations and business groups. This input directly influenced the stadium’s design, ensuring it aligned with the community’s aspirations.
The stadium’s design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, with multiple entry points providing convenient access. The design team collaborated with Disability Advocates of Kent County, ensuring Universal Design principles were included from the start. The stadium’s aesthetic pays homage to West Michigan’s heritage as a builder community, incorporating elements inspired by the furniture history and modern-day designs.
A key focus of the design optimizes the fan experience. Every seat is carefully positioned to offer optimal views of the pitch, while also focusing on dynamic public spaces for community use even on non-event days. Behind the scenes, state-of-theart amenities cater to athletes and spectators alike, including facilities for neurodivergent individuals and families.
Fulton and Market
Grand Rapids, MI
The Fulton and Market site is poised to become a transformative anchor at the southern edge of downtown Grand Rapids, bridging the city core with the riverfront and catalyzing further development along the waterfront. With thoughtful design, this unique site will enhance connectivity, activate open spaces, and establish a vibrant urban hub that serves as Grand Rapids’ “living room” on both event and non-event days.
The site’s location maximizes views of the Grand River while prioritizing accessibility from Market Avenue and adjacent interior parcels. A blend of urban edge and waterfront activity ensures a dynamic experience for all visitors, with opportunities for high-density development contiguous to the Central Business District. By integrating the site with parcels to the south, Fulton and Market will extend the city’s growth while maintaining a cohesive connection to the vibrant downtown core.
As a destination, Fulton and Market will converge key urban elements, anchoring the south edge of downtown and creating an entertainment axis centered around the amphitheater. The amphitheater, a focal point of the site, will generate significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic, with careful planning to prioritize walkability and maintain a vibrant street life. Three key pedestrian corridors—the River, Civic, and Entertainment axes—will ensure connectivity and enhance the urban experience.
Future development of the site will build on the energy created by the amphitheater, emphasizing density and diversification. The vision includes a sustainable urban environment where people can live, work, and play along the waterfront. The central pedestrian spine will balance the riverfront with an active urban edge, offering a retail-activated plaza, office spaces, and residential units with expansive views of the Grand River.
Bound by major thoroughfares, the site’s design will focus on pedestrian connections, including a natural gateway at the northeast corner and potential integration with the city’s Skywalk system. This connectivity will establish Fulton and Market as a dynamic hub that links the city core to the riverfront.
Active edges and functional design features, such as accommodations for changing water levels, will further enhance the user experience. The development will foster social connectivity and a vibrant atmosphere, creating a seamless blend of entertainment, residential, and commercial spaces.
Fulton and Market represents a unique opportunity to redefine downtown Grand Rapids’ urban fabric. By activating the riverfront, prioritizing connectivity, and fostering a sustainable, high-density environment, this site will become a cornerstone of the city’s growth, offering a bold vision for the future of urban living and entertainment.
