Monroe Center & Rosa Parks Circle

Project Details

Client

City of Grand Rapids

Location

Grand Rapids, MI

Scale

Four city blocks

Cost

Phase 1 - $6,000,000; Phase 2 - $8,000,000

Completion

2001

Prime consultant to the City of Grand Rapids for an infrastructure and streetscape revitalization reopening the four block pedestrian mall to street traffic after 20 years. The street was converted to a multi-use streetscape with one-way vehicular traffic, on-street parking, area-way infill, improvements to water, sewer, telecommunications, street lighting, snow melting, brick pavers, planters, traffic signals, signage, street furniture, and related amenities. The first phase of the project encompassed the area from Ottawa Avenue to Division Avenue. During Phase I construction, the City of Grand Rapids and The Frey Foundation commissioned Maya Lin for the second phase of the project, the design of the remaining two blocks from Monroe Avenue to Ottawa Avenue, as well as the conversion of the Monroe Amphitheater into an expanded public park. Design Plus acted as architect of record, collaborating with landscape architects Quennell Rothschild & Partners, LLP of New York to implement the project. Coordination with a number of consultants was critical to the success of the project including theatrical lighting and sound, fiber optics, fountain design, specialty concrete, stabilized gravel, seat wall, snow melt systems, refrigeration, and brick paving.

Objective

Reopen a struggling pedestrian mall to vehicular traffic while creating a significant urban element for attracting people to the core of downtown.

Outcome

The space has become one of the most important places in Grand Rapids for concerts, skating and festivals. This development has resulting in the opening of many new businesses and residential projects.