Chicago Drive Streetscape

Grandville is one of two Grand Rapids inner ring suburbs that has a traditional downtown. Realizing a decline in the character of the downtown, the DDA underwent a master planning process in 2004 that identified a Chicago Drive streetscape as the DDA's first prioity in strengthening the nature of downtown.

Since 2004 the DDA has been working the form Beckett & Raeder to plan and design a streetscape project that will stretch from Division to Ottawa Streets. The project follows a "complete street" profile inlcuding decorative brick work, street trees, street lights, benches, ornamental landscaping, and the relocation of overhead lines. The plan also includes reducing the street cross section from four to three lanes with on-street parking. Also included in the plan is the construction of a Farmer's Market Pavilion in public parking lot north of the library. The intent of the streetscape is to provide a solid foundation that will help foster private investment while creating a sense of place for the community and a pedestrain friendly environment.

The proposed project as designed is estatemated to costs $5.8 million. The project will not utilize any general tax dollars. The following sources have been indentified as the sources for the project:

$1.0 million Transportation Enhancement Grant
$2.4 million DDA Fund Balance
$2.3 million DDA Bond
$100,000 Major Road Fund

While the streetscape has numerous benefits to the downtown such as beautification, pedestrain safety and walkability, and an attractive environment to foster business; the DDA has heard some concerns and questions about the project. The most prevelent questions include:

Will the proposed "road diet" which involves reducing the existing four lanes to three lanes will create conjestion?
Will the proposed on-street parking create additional conjestion?
How will the construction of the project impact my business?

To answer these and other questions please read the Streetscape Q & A article that has been prepared by the DDA.

Streetscape Design: