TL/DR –
The article discusses significant architectural landmarks in Grand Rapids, Michigan, highlighting the evolution of the city’s landscape over the years. One notable example is the Waters Building, built in 1899 to showcase furniture manufactured in the city, transforming Grand Rapids into a hub for furniture buyers. Another is the flatiron building, a recent addition to the cityscape and home to Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown.
Grand Rapids Architecture: A Historical Journey
Known as the birthplace of ArtPrize and noted for its creative, collaborative spirit, Grand Rapids’ rich history is evident in its architecture. The city’s iconic downtown buildings showcase a legacy of innovation, each having a unique story to tell.
The Waters Building: A Turn-of-the-Century Marvel
The Waters Building, a six-story edifice at 161 Ottawa Avenue, was constructed in 1899 during a time when Grand Rapids was a hub of furniture production. Its original purpose, as an exhibition hall for furniture manufacturers, is hinted at by its large, masonic details and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Philip Klingman, a young entrepreneur in the furniture industry, envisioned a centralized exposition hall for manufacturers nationwide. With backing from the lumber-industry-wealthy Waters family, the Waters Building came into existence and soon became the largest furniture exhibition in the world.
McKay Tower: Roaring Twenties’ Grandeur
The McKay Tower, a 16-story building home to Grand Rapids National City Bank, displays the city’s growth and prosperity during the 1920s. The neo-classical design with its grand columns and stone-carved details, reflects the city’s booming economy. The tower held the title of the tallest building in Grand Rapids until 1983.
Herpolsheimer’s Department Store: Post-War Optimism
Constructed after World War II, Herpolsheimer’s Department Store was a symbol of the optimism and economic boom in Grand Rapids. The three-story high display window, the tallest in the nation at that time, used more cement than it would take to pave eight miles of highway.
City-County Building: A 1960s Revitalization
Grand Rapids City Hall, a ten-story structure designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, sits beside Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse. It is a key part of the city’s urban renewal initiative, aiming to reduce urban blight and revive the downtown area.
Mirror on Monroe: Reflecting the 1980s
Built in 1982, Mirror on Monroe stands out for its reflective exterior which enhances the historic buildings surrounding it. Its wall-to-wall windows allow occupants to enjoy views of the cityscape. Today, it houses PNC Bank and other entities.
DeVos Place: Turn of the Millennium
DeVos Place, home to Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, features a curved roof line and incorporates elements that reflect the Grand River landscape. The design preserves pieces of the old Civic Auditorium, including a series of Art Deco carvings integrated into the hallways.
Flatiron Building: A 2021 Addition
The Flatiron Building, the newest addition to the Grand Rapids cityscape, houses a 14-story, 147-room hotel. Its shape reflects the site it sits on, resembling a clothing iron. The ground level houses Social Misfits restaurant and its sister establishment, The Foolery.
Click here to view the full article in the March-April 2024 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine.
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