Monroe North Business Association - Grand Rapids, MI

05/27/2026

Another win for SILVA . Well deserved. Congratulations, Mark Secchia

05/26/2026

One road (almost) open
While another is closing soon.
Yes, another one bites the dust

05/16/2026

Great info on fun new stuff happening in our hood. Thanks for posting SILVA

A growing district along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids will soon carry a new name that reflects its transformation and connection to the city’s riverfront. The area historically known as Monroe North will now be known as River North.

For much of the 20th century, the district just north of downtown was largely industrial, home to warehouses, manufacturing operations, and rail access along the river corridor. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the area began its transition toward residential and mixed use development, beginning with the construction of the Boardwalk Condominiums, the district’s first housing development.

Over the past two decades, the district has steadily evolved into a vibrant riverfront district featuring restaurants, coffee shops, housing, and growing retail activity. Businesses, residents, and visitors have increasingly been drawn to the area’s walkability and proximity to the Grand River.

The new name reflects not only that evolution but also significant public investment in the riverfront. The City of Grand Rapids has completed major improvements along the riverwalk and developed new public spaces, including 6th Street Park and Canal Street Park, helping turn the river corridor into a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Additional improvements are on the way. A 4.3 million state grant will support infrastructure changes that combine Division Avenue and Ionia Avenue just east of SILVA, while also funding a new park connection along the hillside leading up to Belknap Hill, further strengthening the district’s connection to surrounding districts and the riverfront.

As River North continues to grow, the district is expected to remain a key part of downtown Grand Rapids’ expanding riverfront experience, bringing together parks, housing, local businesses, and public spaces along one of the city’s most prominent natural assets.

05/16/2026

Our very small crew of flower power planters missed the rain and we managed to get 8 beds planted in record time. You will thank us as you drive by this summer.

05/11/2026

Calling all FLOWER POWER PEOPLE! Flowers have been ordered, and Saturday is going to be a great day for planting!
As an association, we don't own any equipment, so you'll need to come armed with gloves, a trowel, and you'll probably want a knee pad as well. We will supply garbage bags for clean up and trash. The flowers will be laid out in each bed, so it's pretty easy to plant them.
Please let us know if yoy'll be able to help out by replying to this post.

05/01/2026

Exciting new things happening in our hood

You might have heard people call it Monroe North.

Or maybe you’ve heard it called North Monroe.

Either way, the area along the river just north of downtown has grown into something new, and now it has a name that fits.

River North.

A district shaped by the river, parks, and a growing community of businesses and residents, which we are grateful to call our home.

04/26/2026

Love the much needed service these dedicated folks are providing. Do you have a bike or accessories you don't need anymore? They'll make sure it's all given to someone who really needs it.

We’re all about safety first here at Upcycle Bikes. That’s why we provide each rider a backpack of accessories with their refurbished, no-cost bike: a helmet, lock, lights, and safety information.

We couldn’t do this without the help of League of Michigan Bicyclists - LMB, who regularly donate bike lights and their What Every Michigan Bicyclist Should Know booklet. Thank you, LMB!

Download or order their booklet in three languages and a youth version at lmb.org/bike-mi/what-every-michigan-bicyclist-must-know.

04/24/2026

More info on the rode closure. Please keep supporting our members!

04/24/2026

We love when our neighborhood members get noticed. If you've been wondering what all the hype is about, check this out.
SILVA

04/19/2026

Thanks to Field & Fire Cafe for posting this. We urge everyone to continue supporting our member business