Grand Rapids Then and Now

[Pattmost20]

1 hour ago, Floyd_Z said:

The entire Ottawa Hills neighborhood used to be a golf course as well.  There was a streetcar that went down Franklin that you could take to get there.  I wonder how long it will be until Ken Country Club FINALLY sells to a developer.  That property has so much potential and an awesome location.

Not going to happen anytime soon. I know a few members, they have doubled the number of members in the last few years. That place is booming.

[joeDowntown]

4 hours ago, Pattmost20 said:

Not going to happen anytime soon. I know a few members, they have doubled the number of members in the last few years. That place is booming.

I think it’s a great place for a golf course. I hope it stays that way (they could help the neighborhood aesthetics a bit with new fencing though). I like the history of that course. Not a golfer, never physically been there. 

Joe

[ctpgr34]

On 7/4/2022 at 11:01 AM, Floyd_Z said:

The entire Ottawa Hills neighborhood used to be a golf course as well.  There was a streetcar that went down Franklin that you could take to get there.  I wonder how long it will be until Ken Country Club FINALLY sells to a developer.  That property has so much potential and an awesome location.

I don't see that happening anytime soon.  They have invested a ton into the course/clubhouse and membership has increased with an influx of young members over the last 5 years.

[civitas]

Reorganizing old image folders and found a group of walking-around photos from 2006 - the era of cranes everywhere.  Much has changed and much has stayed the same.  

[joeDowntown]

Great photos. My highlight: The towers building on Michigan (and the fact that it, and it's suburban parking lot are gone).

Low light. That BEAUTIFUL stone being removed from 65 Monroe Center. That developer was off his meds. He could have retained the stone and added the additional floors without it looking much different (only better).  What a waste.

Joe

[GR_Urbanist]

It's cold. You're stuck inside. Why not go through some old burned CDs from 2006.

Near the corner of Wealthy and S. Division.

 

Heartside buildings along S. Division

Corner of S. Division and McConnel

 

Where the side patio of the Winchester is located now.

Looking east at Ionia and Cherry.

Old storefront in the "peacock building" on E. Fulton and Jefferson.

[joeDowntown]

Great photos!  It’s funny how quickly you forget about some of the buildings/conditions of buildings around town. We’ve come a long way!!

Joe