grand rapids' first neighborhood

Did you know that Grand Rapids is home to one of the largest urban historic districts in the country? The neighborhood known as Heritage Hill, is a showcase of more than 60 architectural style of homes that date from 1848.

With a premier location in the City, the "Hill", as it is commonly referred to, is a truly walkable neighborhood-close to theaters, restaurants, boutique shops, universities, and for many of its residents...work.

Bound by Crescent Street to the north, Union to the east, Pleasant to the south and Lafayette to the west, the 1,300 homes within the historic district are unique and beautiful. Many have been lovingly restored.

Heritage Hill is also home to the spectacular Meyer May House - designed by America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

The home was built in 1909 for a prominent Grand Rapids businessman. It was subsequently acquired by Steelcase Corporation, restored to its original splendor, and opened to the public in 1987. You can tour the house year-round, and admission is free!

If you love the character and history an old home offers, and want to be close to downtown, Heritage Hill is a great choice. With the average price of a home under $200,000, there are tremendous values to be found. Several apartment and condominium communities are also located in the Hill. The best resource for rental options can be found through the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association.

living in downtown grand rapids

If you're looking to move downtown, you certainly have a lot of choices. Between homes and condos, there are currently more than 140 properties for sale in the area defined as Grand Rapids' city limits. You can live efficiently in a 600 square foot condo, or live large in one of the new penthouses at 38 Commerce or the McKay Tower.

Just look at some of the wonderful spaces that await you, such as this bright, open kitchen in a great old building downtown:

 

Even the bath offers a nod to the past. Love the brick wall with the old mural!

On the opposite end of the design spectrum, the new residences on Commerce hint at a more modern, urban feel:

Grand Rapids is abuzz with excitement and activity. And there are even more choices in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown Grand Rapids. If you ever have questions about homes or condos for sale in and around downtown Grand Rapids, I can help.

New micro brewery planned for Cherry Street

The Grand Rapids Press reported last week that Locus Development and Jason Spaulding, co-founder of New Holland Brewing Company, have partnered on a $3 million project that will bring a new brewery and shops to the vibrant Cherry street business district.

Brewery Vivant is planned to open next fall in the space that most recently was home to the Spectrum Health childcare center. The adjacent chapel was once a funeral home.

Rendering courtesy of Locus Development/Cornerstone Architects

The brewery will have a 140-seat taproom and restaurant in the chapel portion of the building. There will also be a partially covered outdoor beer garden and piazza.

This is great news for the ever-expanding East Hills neighborhood -which is fast becoming a destination for unique restaurants and boutique shops.

tour new urban condos in the east hills neighborhood

color trends for 2010

A fresh coat of paint is a simple update that can transform a space from blah to beautiful in a day or two. Whether or not you have a home to sell, the folks at Behr have complied the design and color trends for 2010 to help inspire you.

As a rule of thumb, I advise my sellers to keep things neutral. But neutral doesn't have to be boring white or taupe. Different hues or intensities of neutral colors can make a room more exciting and modern. I love the paint color in the office of the new HGTV Dream Home:

 

Or how about grey? This monochromatic bedroom, by design diva Candace Olson, exudes classic modern style:

If you do have a home to sell, keep in mind, there is a lot of competition in the Grand Rapids market. Typically, for less than $100 and a little effort, you can breath new life into your home and help it stand out from the crowd.

urban living in grand rapids

There is so much happening in downtown Grand Rapids these days, from restaurants to real estate. We have a growing, vibrant city that includes the urban areas of Heritage Hill, East Hills, Eastown, and Midtown. If you don't already make it a practice to explore what's going on, here's a short list of personal favorites to get you started:

Restaurants
The Electric Cheetah@ 1015 Wealthy Street offers a delicious, eclectic menu and a small plates brunch on Sunday. Keep an eye out for their newest restaurant, The Electric Eel in a few months.

Corez Wine Bar @ 919 Cherry Street is a swanky little place with an amazing wine list, thoughtful dishes, and the best bartender in Grand Rapids.


The Winchester @ 648 Wealthy Street has a thoughtful menu that changes with the seasons. It's a great place to get together with friends, just get there early to ensure a table!

Urban Living
Fairmount Square Condominiums is a community of 35 new town homes tucked in the heart of East Hills just off Cherry Street between Wealthy and Diamond. Within walking distance of the restaurants shown above, plus many others, and tons of boutique shops. The best part, all homes have either a one or two stall garage!

Hillmount Condominiums on Cherry Street is in the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood. While the building was constructed in 1952, it has since been renovated to offer unique spaces from 670 to 966 square feet.


The Heritage Hill neighborhood is one of the largest urban historic districts in the country. Here you will find beautiful, grand homes for sale and unique apartments for rent. Every fall a select group of home owners open their homes for the Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes - which is a great way to appreciate the history, construction, and beauty of these incredible homes.

Boutiques
Muse @ 924 Cherry Street offers a unique selection of clothing and accessories that can't be found anywhere else in Grand Rapids.


Wealthy at Charles @ 738 Wealthy Street is a stylish boutique with beautiful items for your home.

Etc.
Nantucket Bread Company @ 200 Union. Bread. Cookies. YUM.

The Sparrows Coffee, Tea and Newstand @ 1035 Wealthy is quirky, quaint, and has strong coffee!

Fulton Street Farmers Market @ 1145 East Fulton is open May to Christmas on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

mortgage rates still low, but will rise

If you have been considering a move, or refinance, you may want to act sooner rather than later.

According to the Saturday New York Times, a increase in mortgage rates is expected this year. In fact, investment management giant Vanguard Group estimates a rise of a quarter to a half percent on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

Why the increase? The Federal Reserve has been supporting the mortgage market with their trillion dollar program of buying mortgage-backed securities. They intend to end this program at the end of March. When that happens, rates are very likely to rise.

To read the full article, click here.

Of course, another advantage to acting now is the $8,000 and $6,500 tax credit program, which will end at the end of April.