201 MARKET AVE

GRAND RAPIDS, mICHIGAN

The 201 Market site is the largest city-owned opportunity site outlined in the GR Forward River Plan. Situated on the south side of Grand Rapid's expanding downtown, the objective was to capitalize on riverfront access. An iconic pedestrian bridge, designed by BLD and engineered by SGH, helps connect the Westside Neighborhood to the Grand Valley University downtown campus. Complimenting the bridge is a plaza programmed for weddings and concerts while providing access to Punk Island, a unique river island.

BLD worked with the development team to nest adjoining buildings, the proposed professional soccer stadium, and the event space into a landscape that accentuates vistas to the river. The designed landscape includes a series of 'woonerfs' (shared use corridors) to support the plaza's functions.

A strong connection with the waterfront is established by replacing the 21-foot flood wall with a series of sweeping terraces and overlooks. Baked in these terraces are multi-use riverside trails and development sites with an intertwined landscape that cleans and polishes stormwater runoff. The design opens up interactions with the water's edge through docks, boat ramps, and a beach.