I took a few photos the other day from a rooftop downtown to show the changes in the Medical Mile. Michiganders know that Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan...but many do not know the heritage of the city.
Grand Rapids Michigan started as a logging town that soon developed into the mecca of wood furniture making. As the automotive industry grew in Detroit so did the furniture manufacturing on this side of the state. Some of the key office furniture manufacturers turned into giants of the industry. Steelcase, Herman Miller and Hayworth are still position as the go
to companies in the nation when it comes to office furniture. One of the long gone companies that was huge at the turn of the century Stickley Furniture, their building was on a family post card (on left) from 1909.
On the right is another furniture maker that changed over the years and most would never know they had their beginnings as a major furniture maker. Phoenix Furniture Company down on Monroe Ave.
Of course this was made possible because of the Grand River and logging. Here is a post of the Grand from 1910.
Then came a few investors and they offered millions of dollars from their personal fortunes and some of the old hospital started getting face lifts.
Today we have a city with a blend of the old and certainly the new!
Here is part of the face lift.
I took this photo from the top floor of one of the new enterprise zone tax free condos that have been built. 
You can see as the city changes we keep some of the old as well but soon it too will give way to developers and once again the city will have a new skyline.
Because of these changes we have a more stable economic environment on the Western side of the state than we do on the Eastern. We certainly have the automotive influences...but we have diversity into other economic areas as well.
I hope you enjoyed walking down the road with me in a little photo time capsule. My family has been in West Michigan for over a 100 years and some of the post cards I will be sharing in the next few months will give us a glimpse at what life used to be a 100 years ago.
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I've always liked Grand Rapids. I went to college nearby at GVSU wwwaaaaayyyyy back in 1983/84! We stopped through I think it was two years ago and there was a lot of building going on! Do many people live downtown or is it more of a working city?
I love the pictures and the walk down the 100 years. It is really something to think that your family has lived in Grand Rapids 100 years. Look forward to more in the future.
Gary, our town is looking great! Excellent post, thanks for sharing.
Duane
I love historical journeys like this. It shows the changes over time and how well (or poorly) a city has managed to keep up with the times.
Gary--Love the new views compared to the old postcard shots! Nice post!
Hi Gary,
Great Post, I'm from GRR as well but left in 1982 for Colorado. My family came from Hudsonville & GRR I'm coming back next week for a few days and than up to Drummond Island. Last time I was in town I bought a dish at an antique store that was from The Hotel Rowe.
Kelly I went to GVSU as well
Hi Kelly we have enterprise zones and no tax zones where they have been building condos and updating the city. We do have a rich and vibrant downtown area with many areas yet to be developed. Adding the VanAndel arena, the medical mile and so much more. So the changes have been considerable and great for the city and the residents. GVSU has done a bit of changes too since you were there. Thanks for the comments Kelly.
Hi Pat, it is wild for me to think a family has lived and worked in any area for a 100+ years. It was a rare find to discover all post cards from a 100 years ago. Thanks for the comments Pat.
Hi Duane, we have certainly seen some changes over the years. Thanks for the comments Duane.
Hi Ruthmarie, it is hard to imagine the changes communities go through over the years. How they address these changes are how the survive. Thanks for the comments Ruthmaire.
Hi Teri, the changes over the years have been created lifestyles and opportunity for so many to enjoy. Thanks for your comments Teri.
Hi Jane, you will see many changes even in Hudsonville! Let me think....wasn't GVSU home to Thomas Jefferson at one time? That ought to stir some memories! Thanks for the comments Jane.
It is hard to image how the city must of looked like years ago. So many people put sweat and labor into making Grand Rapids a great city.
Hi Russ, I have more of these cards to share from different areas of the state...but most are specific to Grand Rapids. It is very amazing the effort and changes that have taken place. Thanks for the comments Russ.
HI Gary,
Great pictures....your post reminds me of seeiing pictures and postcards that my Mom had of Swansea Wales pre World War 2 where I was born, it was such a beautiful city before it was bombed. She has great memories.
Anne
Hey Gary,
I went to TJC at Grand Valley but Graduated from Wm James.
Hi Gary,
I really enjoyed learning the history of your city (I did not know about the furniture industry there). Great idea to take photos from rooftop, wonderful view of the city.
Hi Anne, so many of the European cities and isle countries were devastated by the bombings.... My fathers family immigrated from an island off Scotland....names were changed long before my parents were born. You are lucky to have a mother with all those memories. It would be great to have her do a diary if she can. Thanks for the comments Anne.
Hi Jane, that is funny....how many people would know about that! Take care come back and visit some time....our economy could use the tourist dollars! Thanks for the comments Jane.
Hi Cynthia, many did not know about the furniture industry starting here....most of the designers and manufacturing was later moved south...like Hickory NC or Thomasville NC. But our city was know as the "Furniture City" and still is by many. Thanks for the comments Cynthia.