Last Saturday Goodwill Industries hosted the grand opening of their latest, and most interesting retail concept store. Blue Boutique is open for business at two different locations, 974 Cherry St. in East Hills, and within the new retail incubator MoDiv at 40 Monroe Center.
The interior of the boutique is hip and eclectic, and while their clothing is eye-catching, the price is what stands out the most. Blue Boutique intends to create a new and refreshing shopping experience for Grand Rapids residents. New and gently used designer apparel and accessories will be offered at Blue for prices not normally associated with high-end retail items. "We wanted to give customers the boutique experience without the cost," says Susan Oestreich, Marketing Manager at Goodwill Industries.
This week the Whitecaps kick off their regular season, while the Griffins wrap up theirs. Plus Art.Downtown. and SiTE:LAB return, Saint Mary's and the GR Ballet host galas and downtown museums are free on Sunday.
A new 60,000 sq. ft. mixed-use building that includes a movie theater has been proposed for the Area 5 parking lot on Ionia Ave SW & Oakes. Loeks Theatres presented the project at today's Downtown Development Authority meeting. The multi-level building would likely have restaurants and retail space on the first floor, with theaters above. The movie theater space would be available for lease during the day by educational and convention groups needing AV equipment and room presentations and show first-run national movies during the afternoons and evenings.
No timeframe for construction has been announced and the cost of the project has not been released.
In March, the Downtown Development Authority voted to approve a reconstruction of Oakes SW between Market and Ottawa that will include placement of trees, ornamental street lights and underground high-voltage electrical systems.
A new concept restaurant will soon be opening in Standale at 355 Wilson Ave. Crooked Goose is the creation of the same group that brought Twisted Rooster to East Beltline in Grand Rapids – Meritage Hospitality Group.
Aside from the equally eccentric names, similarities between the two restaurants include a commitment to sourcing Michigan made products, produce and meats. Executive Chef Mark Noseda II is currently in the process of tasting bounty from area farms in order to both develop the first seasonal menu and choose with which Michigan farmers Crooked Goose will be partnering.
