🌱 New Housing Desperately Needed + Additional ICU Beds

Hey, Grand Rapids! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

Morning flurries; cloudy. High: 33 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority has approved a new apartment building at Studio Park. The new apartments will be part of the existing building's second development phase with them being added to the top of the parking facility. The apartments are estimated to house 165 individuals in units and 24 in condos. The development will cost roughly $52 million. (Fox17)
2. Grand Rapids' Meijer Heart Center is updating its building to make room for dozens of new intensive care beds. The Center's eighth floor is being converted into a suite that will hopefully provide 24 new beds to the intensive care unit. Officials with the hospital report that the changes were approved before the pandemic but the pandemic confirmed the construction was needed. (WOODTV.com)
3. According to Grand Rapids officials, thousands of new housing units will be needed by 2025. Without the new units, residents may be displaced. The city hopes to utilize its new Affordable Housing Fund to spur much-needed development. Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong says the area needs to quicken its pace in developing housing for low and moderate-income residents. (MLive.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• VSFAC Council Foundation Meeting At The Walker City Recreation Department (7:30 AM)
• Business Exchange Luncheon At The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (11:30 AM)
• Grand Valley Artist's Reception At The Forest Hills Fine Arts Center (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Grand Rapids Art Museum reminds the community that February Saturdays are Instant Photo Creations workshops at the museum. (Instagram)
• Opera Grand Rapids reminisces about the 2016 production of Romeo and Juliet at the Opera. (Instagram)
• Kalamazoo State Theatre reminds the community that the Date at the State: Moulin Rouge! 2001 Musical Film is a great Valentine's Day date. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.