Grand Rapids Then and Now! It’s An Amazing Change!

The 50s and 60s in Grand Rapids were decades of change that really never stopped. Today, you wouldn't recognize our city from 60 or more years ago.

Take a look back to what it was then and what it is now. Do you recognize any of these spots?

1979 - 81 POSSIBLY

You are correct! Looking up Pearl Street and the Amway Grand Plaza tower and lobby are being built!

This is now a classic downtown attraction, but in the 50s, not so much!

No clue? This is looking toward the Grand River on Fulton and we now know it as The B.O.B., or the Big Old Building, which it was back then.

This is one of my favorites. What do you think? It's somewhere downtown.

It's a tough one, but it is Ottawa and Louis looking toward Fulton. Our radio studios are in the building where Economy Office Supply was. Leo's is now where all the cars are parked!

This is a tough one since none of these building exist anymore. You would have had to live back then and maybe shopping at Woolworth's to guess this one.

Give up? It's Pearl Street across the street from the former Pantlind Hotel, now the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. This spot has become the home of the J.W. Marriott!

I forgot one thing. Downtown today!

 👇 BELOW: HERE'S MORE! AMPHITHEATER CONCERTS COMING SOON! 👇

This is only the tip of the iceberg as the Acrisure Amphitheater along with the new Amway Soccer Stadium are nearing completion. And, we may have a new aquarium in the not too distant future.

Grand Rapids IS the place to be!