Grand Rapids Then and Now Reveal

Tuesday, I posted some historical pictures of some downtown Grand Rapids streets that I found on the GR Retro website. I made it kind of a guessing game asking if you recognized where these pictures were taken, because things sure have changed around here since "back in the day." Well today, I reveal where they were taken and how things have changed.

This is one of the most traveled streets in downtown. It was, back in the day, 1936, and is today. Where do you think this is?

If you thought it was the Michigan Hill, and the Medical Mile, you were right!

What about this, once, thriving business district. Back in 1952 it was a beehive of activity, but, alas, today, not so much.

Yes, it is Burton Heights. Maybe this could be the next revitalized district in Grand Rapids. It sure could use some help.

And, last, but not least, this hot bed of activity in downtown in 1958. This stretch of downtown had lots of retail and some theaters, doctors and dentists, and more. All of it fell to the wrecking ball in the late 60's as part of the grand, urban renewal plan, and out of the ashes came some pretty exciting places.

Maybe you were right, again. It's Monroe and Michigan, with DeVos Place and DeVos Performance hall on the right.

Lot's of progress in Grand Rapids in the last 80 years, and there is so much more to come.