South Division
Starting Point
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Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan rhizestrategy.com 02
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 03 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Contents Division Avenue South · Fulton to Wealthy · Grand Rapids, Michigan Executive Summary 2 The Story of SoDiv 45 Property and Land Use Inventory 6 The Diagnostic 7 Use Mix & Concentration 89 Economic Resilience 1011 Community Rootedness & Governance 1213 Continuity & Gap Pattern 1415 DayPart Activity Coverage 1617 Physical Conditions & Legacy Assets 1819 The Macroclimate 2021 Trajectory 22 Municipal Plans & Alignment 2324 Strategic Recommendations 25 03 SoDiv Starting Point FDD Sources Separate document
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 04 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 05 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com
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south division / starting point - March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic Property and Land Use Inventory Ground-floor uses from Fulton to Wealthy MARCH 18, 2025 - A E M - - E A K ? - - - J K J E I ? - A - K ? ? C - ? - ? H H - A B M - H - ? K ? - - - L - D B ? ? K - ? - B G J - ? ? F - ? FULTON WESTON OAKES CHERRY WILLIAMS BARTLETT GOODRICH WEALTHY WEST EAST N 50 m Use categories A Apparel and vintage retail B Arts and galleries C Community and faith D Convenience and daily needs E Entertainment and nightlife F Food and beverage G Food production and incubator H Health and social services I Hobby and game retail J Music retail K Personal and repair services L Professional office M Specialty retail ? Use not classified - Vacant Letters identify uses. Several letters together indicate uses at a shared location. 35 classified uses 23 uses not classified 22 vacant storefronts The mix is uneven along the corridor Retail, arts, and entertainment cluster north of Cherry. Retail and arts reappear between Bartlett and Goodrich, with health and social services farther south. Vacant and unclassified spaces interrupt that mix. Approximate locations; shared marks do not divide tenant frontage. Upper-floor uses: page 9. Rhize | rhizestrategy.com 06
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The Diagnostic A commercial corridor is shaped by many different contributing systems and conditions. Some are obvious- what businesses are there, when they are open, who lives and works nearby, and whether the street feels active from one block to the next. Others are less visible, like what happens above the storefronts, how easily a vacant space can find its next use, how adaptable the buildings are, and whether the people responsible for the place can work together when something needs attention. Those are only a handful of the factors that determine whether a corridor can absorb change or becomes vulnerable to it. Functional Diversity is the degree to which a corridor’s different uses, people, spaces, times of day, demand sources, physical assets, and stewardship systems complement one another rather than depending too heavily on the same function or the same source of activity. Rhize distills that larger system into six scoreable dimensions. Together, those dimensions give us a clear picture of a corridor’s health, resilience, and overall sustainability. SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 07 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Use Mix & Concentration The variety of uses along the corridor and how much activity depends on just a few of them. Economic Resilience How well the business base holds up through changes in demand, vacancy, and turnover. Continuity & Gap Pattern How consistently active storefronts line the street, and where larger gaps interrupt them. Day-Part Activity Coverage How activity is spread across the morning, midday, and evening. Physical Conditions & Legacy Assets The condition and usefulness of the corridor's buildings, storefronts, sidewalks, and other physical assets. Community Rootedness & Governance The corridor's ability to care for and guide itself through rooted ownership, local organizations, and coordinated action.
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Use Mix & Concentration THE FUNCTIONS PRESENT A mix led by merchandise 14 1 1 2 1 1 4 1 1 2 2 5 35 STOREFRONT SPACES Arts and cultural activity Art exhibition and sales · Live Recreation Games and amusement Nightclub and social dancing Social assistance Food assistance · Assistance for older adults Community and civic life Religious worship Office-based work Professional and technical production Personal services Other purchasing Apparel and accessories · Books and recorded media Musical instruments · Recreation equipment Food purchasing Convenience food Making and processing Food production Prepared food and drink Cafe · Bakery and dessert service Health and treatment Rehabilitation and therapy Household services 08 south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic Fulton to Wealthy 51 / 100 · STRAINED Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Use Mix & Concentration examines what people can do, obtain, and access here: the range of active functions across and within families, whether a few functions dominate active space, which recurring needs are being met, what upper floors contribute, and how they are utilized. Hair care · Tattoo and piercing Householditem repair performance Variety within shopping is not the same as breadth across functions. Apparel, recorded media, and musical instruments offer different goods within one purchasing family. Art exhibitions, personal services, recreation, prepared food and drink, health and treatment, and food assistance add different activities.
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south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic 09 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Housing deepens the mix, though routine errands are lacking. UPPER FLOORS / A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND GATHER Housing Offices / work Gathering Care / services TowerPinkster 12 Division / 4 E Fulton Offices Upper suites* 25 Division Offices One South 3541 Division Housing Verne Barry 4064 Division Housing Lofts 101105 Division Housing Martineau 106 / 120 / 122 Livework Harris Building* 111 Division Gathering Regency Flats 123 Division Housing Grey Matter 131133 Division Offices Chaffee 136140 Division Housing Dégagé 144 Division Shelter / services Apartments 205 Division Housing Division Park 209217 Division Housing Kelsey 235 Division Housing Guiding Light 255 Division Recovery / services Calumet Flats 301303 Division Housing Herkimer 309327 Division Housing Goodrich 333341 Division Housing Lenox 343351 Division Housing Gallery apartments 2 W Fulton / 10 Commerce Housing *Some upper floors active; remaining space unverified. Address ranges retain grouped developments. Window colors show uses present, not floor area or the proportion of a building devoted to each use. 09
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Economic 40 / 100 · STRAINED south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic Economic Resilience South Division draws on households with varied incomes, nearby workplaces, and destination customers. The loss of both fullservice restaurants reflects a greater trend of restaurant closures across the DDA, and may not exclusively reflect corridor demand. Vacancy and occupancy 80 eligible storefronts 35 / 43.75% Occupiedactive 23 / 28.75% Occupiedinactive 22 / 27.5% Vacant Occupiedinactive is neither vacancy nor evidence of business performance. Street activity and the location of gaps are explored in Continuity & Gap Pattern, starting on page 14. 10 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 10 ALL 22 VACANT STOREFRONTS / MARCH 18, 2025 20 Dodds Record Shop; departure date open 2 W Fulton UICA; about four years vacant by Feb. 2025 62 Leasing documented Feb.Mar. 2025 78 Tini Bikini’s; closed 2014 35 GRNoir; closed February 2025 45 Rockwell Republic; closed February 2025 120127 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 111 Local Epicurean; moveout date open 115 DAAC left July 2013; later uses unverified 117101 Propaganda / Bandit Queen pair; see below 117102 Propaganda / Bandit Queen pair; see below 135 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 200 Heartside Ministry operating here in 2022 205101 Built 2014; no confirmed prior tenant 223 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 235112 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 307 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 313 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 337 Project Space / Cinerrific lead; dates open 349 Prior tenant unresolved; later Starbird use 351 Prior tenant and departure unresolved 359 Heartside Health Center; end2019 closure 117A: Propaganda Doughnuts closed July 3, 2016. 117B: The Bandit Queen closed October 30, 2015. The modern 101/102toA/B mapping remains unconfirmed. Earlier departures and recent closures coexist. A known closure date is not proof of continuous vacancy; intervening use and the final departure are not always established. 10 Vacancy history
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Nearby demand and leasing capacity south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic Nearby demand FULTON WEALTHY Quartermile straightline buffer along Division, Fulton to Wealthy, including both ends: 0.446 sq. mi. HOUSEHOLD INCOME Under $25,000 51% $25,00049,999 12% $50,00099,999 20% $100,000+ 17% 48% of renters with a computed ratio paid 30%+ of income in gross rent. One South and Studio Park add marketrate housing. The Tower opened in October 2024; its households fall outside this ACS estimate. The area contained 15,145 primary workplace jobs in 2021. Worker and visitor spending, source shares, and seasonality remain unmeasured. Approximately 2,300 nearby households 11 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 11 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 11 Discretionary vs Nondiscretionary use Many nearby households have limited spending capacity. The corridor’s retail and leisure offer is largely discretionary, while daily needs remain underserved. Destination businesses attract outside spending, but residents have few options for routine purchases. More nondiscretionary uses would serve residents and let corridor workers pick up essentials before returning home. Discretionary CAN WAIT Dining out Entertainment Optional shopping Nondiscretionary RECURRING NEEDS Groceries Medicines Care Laundry 11 Replacement capacity Lower-cost entry Smaller spaces can reduce rent and fit-out costs for independent operators. Everyday services need affordable prices and enough repeat customers to sustain a lease; low entry costs alone do not establish viable demand. More capital at risk Larger vacancies and former restaurants require more capital. Building systems, equipment, accessibility, and lease terms affect reuse costs. A replacement must match the space and a realistic customer base.
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Community Rootedness & Governance examines who is invested in South Division, whose voices shape decisions, and how effectively people work together to care for the district. south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic 44 / 100 · STRAINED Community rootedness grows through ownership, participation, and shared responsibility. This dimension Business & Civic Heartside Business Association (HBA) Grand Rapids Chamber Arts & Participation Avenue for the Arts Arts Marketplace ArtPrize Cocoon Art Space ArtRat Gallery Housing & Services Dwelling Place Dégagé Guiding Light Senior Neighbors God’s Kitchen Mel Trotter City & District Roles City of Grand Rapids DGRI / DDA Downtown Ambassadors 12 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Places to connect Regular breakfast meetings provided a place for business and civic participants to exchange information and discuss corridor concerns. How residents and service users influenced decisions remains unclear.
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south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic 13 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 13 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 13 Everyday stewardship Who takes the lead on recurring concerns? Who connects owners, services, and the City? Who checks that the response worked? Property ownership behind 80 storefronts 66 Local 11 Nonlocal 1 Public 2 Unresolved These are storefront counts. Totals for distinct owners and buildings remain unresolved; property ownership is separate from business ownership. Coordination and shared responsibility Organizations and businesses could deliver joint projects. The gap was dependable follow-through: who responded to recurring concerns, coordinated across properties, and stayed responsible until the issue was resolved? Corridor celebration Businesses, HBA, DGRI, and the City supported FAM on SoDIV in June 2024. Shared services At The Vault, Dégagé provided meals and safety; Mel Trotter supplied caseworkers and volunteers. Peer support NIDO credited Cocoon, August Connection, and OTONO with helping welcome the business. Rent assistance The DDA approved up to $47,707 for two new businesses in March 2025. Approval is a funding commitment. 13
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Continuity & south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic 44 / 100 · STRAINED Continuity & Gap Pattern 14 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 14 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 14 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 14 Vacant storefronts, occupied-inactive spaces, parking lots, and vacant land interrupt active frontage. The main issues are the length of these gaps and their concentration in particular blocks. The dimension scores 44/100. It assesses the location, length, and clustering of interruptions along the corridor. Occupied buildings can contribute to these gaps when their ground floors lack street-level activity. 14 Storefront activity along Division Occupied-active Occupied-inactive Vacant FULTON WESTON OAKES CHERRY WILLIAMS BARTLETT GOODRICH WEALTHY March 18, 2025 35 active / 23 inactive / 22 vacant WESTON TO OAKES / WEST 302 feet The vacant restaurant spaces at 35 and 45 Division and two parking lots formed a continuous break before Rumors at 69. SOUTH OF CHERRY / EAST 310 feet Vacant 200, the garage at 218, inactive 222, and the parking lot at 224 interrupted activity toward the campus. CHERRY TO BARTLETT 3 of 15 active Eight occupied-inactive storefronts and four vacancies left three functioning spaces. Five of the six spaces at 209 were inactive. Civic frontage is distinct from vacancy. Parking and vacant land add gaps: 11.4% of eligible frontage. Approximate locations; striped marks contain more than one activity status.
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Occupied-inactive storefronts along Division A building can remain occupied while its street edge offers few reasons to stop or enter. south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 15 A physical building is not an active connection Inactive storefronts can preserve a continuous wall of buildings without sustaining a continuous sequence of public-facing uses. Filling empty premises would address only part of the interruption. 40-58 Division Five inactive spaces sit around two active storefronts, weakening the connection between neighboring destinations. 101-105 Division An inactive cluster is followed by vacancies at 111, 115, and 117, extending the break in commercial activity. 209 Division Five of six spaces are inactive. One operating storefront cannot provide the same rhythm as a group of active neighbors. How the pattern shapes continuity Length of breaks The roughly 302-foot and 310-foot gaps leave long stretches between destinations. Clustering and distribution Only 3 of 15 storefronts between Cherry and Bartlett were active; interruptions concentrate rather than spread evenly. Frontage beyond storefronts Parking and vacant land interrupt the street edge. Civic campuses are a different frontage type and should not be counted as vacant shops. The consequence: fewer opportunities for one stop to lead naturally to the next. 15
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The SoDiv day The same street offered a different set of possibilities depending on the day. The rings show how its uses overlapped across morning, midday, and evening. Read Thursday beside Monday to see where that overlap thinned. Ring windows: morning 6–9 a.m. · midday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. · evening after 6 p.m. 61 /100 Moderate 12am 6am 12pm 6pm 9a the SoDiv day T H U R S D A Y RINGS, OUTSIDE TO INSIDE Retail Health & Care Professional Services Personal Services Arts & Culture Food & Beverage Entertainment & Recreation Civic & Community Stronger color: more coverage Pale: little documented coverage Hatching: unresolved detail HOW THE WEEK CHANGES 12am 6am 12pm 6pm 9a the SoDiv day M O N D A Y 12am 6am 12pm 6pm 9a the SoDiv day T H U R S D A Y 12am 6am 12pm 6pm 9a the SoDiv day S A T U R D A Y MONDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY Each ring represents a use family. Stronger color indicates more documented coverage; hatching marks unresolved detail. The unshaded overnight sector is outside this three-window read. Reconstructed schedules show availability, not pedestrian activity. [1,2] SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 Grand Rapids, Michigan · Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 17 61 / 100 · MODERATE Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Day-Part Activity Coverage 16
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south division / starting point · March 2025 functional diversity diagnostic 16 Fulton to Wealthy Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 17 The SoDiv week Opening hours change through the week. The recovered record includes weekday schedules, exact hours, and show-night opening. It points to a thinner early week and stronger overlap later in the week. The examples below show what is actually recorded. REPORTED SCHEDULES / RETROSPECTIVE EVIDENCE Most were gathered in August 2026. They inform the reconstruction but do not certify every business’s March 2025 schedule. Business / use Recovered days and hours Downtown Convenience Daily, 10 a.m.6 p.m.; Rhizeprovided Cyberguyz Daily, 9 a.m.9 p.m.; Rhizeprovided OTONO retail Daily, 10 a.m.7 p.m.; cafe hours excluded NIDO The Urban Nest Thu 36; Fri 36:30; SatSun noon4 Eagle Eye Tattoo Closed Thu; other days noon6, Sat to 8 The Brunch Lounge WednesdaySaturday Rumors WednesdaySunday, 8 p.m.2 a.m. The Ruse Escape Rooms FridaySunday; Saturday until 10:30 p.m. Grammotones / Cocoon / ArtRat ThursdaySunday in the recovered record August Connection / Decaydence / Zabház WednesdaySunday in the recovered record Devil May Duel ThursdaySunday; ThuSat until 9 p.m. Vertigo Music / Skelletones Weekdays until 9 p.m. / show nights Morning activity is also documented for TowerPinkster, Guiding Light’s offices, Senior Neighbors, Avenue Barber Shop, and Blonde Theory. A partial schedule still counts as evidence; it does not supply every weekday’s hours. The retrospective model reported schedules for 34 of 35 active storefronts. The retained evidence does not support a complete, datematched count for every weekday in March 2025. Published hours describe availability, not foot traffic. 17
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Physical Conditions & Legacy Assets The older buildings were part of the reason to choose South Division. Their storefronts gave small businesses a visible place on the street, with housing and other uses above. Too often, the view from the sidewalk gave little indication of that capacity. Small storefronts Many of South Division’s storefronts were modest in size. They gave independent operators a visible address without requiring an entire building. At 71 South Division, Decaydence Vintage and Mos Eisleys Tattoos occupied separate storefronts with separate doors. Capacity above the street Upper floors held housing, offices, institutional uses, shelter and recovery programs, and event uses. That capacity was already part of the corridor’s building stock, even where the view from the sidewalk revealed little of the life inside. 39 / 100 At-risk SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 18 39 / 100 · ATRISK Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com
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Storefront conditions SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 19 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com Weak lighting, inconsistent signs, and recurring maintenance concerns added to the impression of inactivity. Windows and entrances offered an incomplete picture of the buildings and uses behind them. Facades & maintenance The older storefront fronts remained an asset, with recurring maintenance concerns affecting their presentation. Signage Inconsistent signs made the street less legible: a storefront did not always clearly identify the use behind its entrance. Windows Curtained windows limited views into street-level spaces. A window treatment alone does not establish vacancy, disrepair, or inactivity. Lighting Weak lighting reduced the visibility of windows and entrances. It did not establish whether a business was open. Sidewalks Sidewalk surface condition was not established. 19
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 21 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 20 The Macroclimate Grand Rapids offered South Division several ways to gain customers. Housing, visitors, and downtown employment supported demand, while changing work patterns and operating costs shaped when and how people would use the street. Housing & nearby households TAILWIND DGRI reported 96% downtown housing occupancy in Q2 2024. Nearby homes offer repeat customers for food, services, and daily errands. Planned homes remain future demand. Visitors & events TAILWIND DDA visitor activity in August 2024 was 2% above August 2019. Visitors create an opportunity for distinctive shops and cultural uses, provided the trip reaches Division. The downtown workweek HEADWIND DDA employee activity remained 10% below August 2019. Lunch, convenience, and after-work trade could not simply assume the old commuter routine had returned. Retail demand & location MIXED Regional Q1 2025 retail vacancy was 4.2%, with average asking rent of $15.52 per sf. Available demand still had to fit Division’s spaces, costs, and customer patterns. REGIONAL RETAIL / Q1 2025 4.2% Regional retail vacancy indicated a tight market. South Division still had spaces that were difficult to fill. Regional market vacancy and corridor storefront counts use different measures. 20
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 22 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 21 Macroclimate: costs and investment Interest rates, inflation, and major downtown investment formed the wider economic setting for South Division. These forces influenced financing, household purchasing power, and future demand; the corridor’s spaces and operating choices determined how that opportunity translated locally. Capital & opening costs HEADWIND The Federal Reserve’s January target range was 4.25-4.50%. Its lending survey also reported tighter business-loan standards. Expensive improvements could stop an otherwise promising tenancy before it opened. Household budgets & restaurant economics MIXED February consumer prices were 2.8% above a year earlier; food away from home rose 3.7%. Grocery and restaurant demand must be tested against prices residents can pay and a viable operating budget. Major downtown investment PROSPECTIVE TAILWIND The amphitheater was under construction. Housing and other downtown projects could add residents and visitors over time. The walk, uses, and opening hours determine whether they stop on Division. FROM NEARBY INVESTMENT TO A USEFUL STOREFRONT More people nearby Housing and visitor activity create an opportunity. A reason to stop here The use, prices, hours, and walk determine who it reaches. The market supplied reasons for improvement. Space economics, access, operating hours, and corridor decisions would determine how much of that opportunity reached South Division. Ownership succession and youngworkforce growth remain unscored: suitable corridorwide baseline evidence was not established. Later project openings and outcomes are excluded. 21
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Trajectory SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 23 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 22 PRIMARY TRAJECTORY MODIFIER Successional Fragmenting The street was moving between uses and identities, with active uses separated by long interruptions. South Division was moving between states. Its independent shops and arts activity gave the street a recognizable draw, while the closures of GRNoir and Rockwell Republic removed two substantial uses. Buildings and nearby households remained; a dependable commercial pattern had not yet formed around them. Successional Fragmenting The street was moving between uses and identities. Housing, independent businesses, and nearby investment made improvement plausible; the next occupants and property decisions would shape its direction. Effective activation was below 50%. Twenty-three occupied spaces contributed little public-facing activity, and two inactive stretches exceeded 300 feet. Successful destinations could remain isolated. 22 SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 22
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 25 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 23 23 Municipal Plans & Alignment Housing, services, mobility, equity, and accessibility Fulton to Wealthy / March 18, 2025. Selected recommendations relate to this diagnostic. The condition and alignment are Rhize’s assessment of the recommendation, not the whole plan. Municipal Plan Recommendation SoDiv Condition On/off ON: supporting condition OFF: observed gap : evidence insufficient Relevant citywide direction is retained. Unmeasured conditions are not classified as OFF. Community Master Plan: Bridge to Our Future (2024) Support a wider mix of housing and neighborhood-serving uses. Upper-floor housing and workspaces establish a mixed-use base. This does not resolve missing daily services. ON City Strategic Plan (October 2022) Advance economic prosperity and affordability for residents. Income-restricted homes provide an existing affordability asset; nearby commercial services remain limited. ON Equitable Economic Development & Mobility Strategic Plan (2020) Support inclusive business growth and reduce barriers to opportunity. Rent-assistance commitments for two businesses and peer support are positive steps; broader equitable outcomes are unmeasured. ON Vital Streets Plan & Design Guidelines (2016) Create safe, accessible, attractive, connected streets for all users. Inactive fronts and weak lighting detract from the walk. Accessibility compliance requires a separate physical audit. OFF
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 25 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 23 24 Municipal Plans & Alignment Housing, services, mobility, equity, and accessibility Fulton to Wealthy / March 18, 2025. Selected recommendations relate to this diagnostic. The condition and alignment are Rhize’s assessment of the recommendation, not the whole plan. Municipal Plan Recommendation SoDiv Condition On/off ON: supporting condition OFF: observed gap : evidence insufficient Relevant citywide direction is retained. Unmeasured conditions are not classified as OFF. Great Housing Strategies (2015) / Housing NOW! (2018) Expand housing choice and affordability through coordinated housing actions. Existing income-restricted and market-rate homes contribute to housing choice. This is not a count of new plan delivery. ON Consolidated Housing & Community Development Plan (FY2022-26) / FY2025 Action Plan Preserve affordable housing and support people facing homelessness. Income-restricted housing, shelter, and recovery services are established. This does not measure program funding or outcomes. ON Heartside Quality of Life Study (2019) Improve fresh-food access, lighting, and everyday neighborhood amenities. Food gaps and weak lighting remain documented needs. City-led study; not a formally adopted municipal plan. OFF
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SOUTH DIVISION / STARTING POINT FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC Fulton to Wealthy · March 18, 2025 27 Grand Rapids, Michigan · rhizestrategy.com 25 Strategic Recommendations Turn the findings into practical work on spaces, services, and the week. Bring occupied-inactive spaces into the conversation. Review all 23 with owners and users. Agree on changes to windows, entrances, hours, or use while respecting privacy. When space becomes available, prioritize useful services, customers, and street activity. Resolve large vacancies individually. Assess 35 and 45 separately. At 359, test whether a divisible layout or a different leasing or ownership arrangement could make the space workable for smaller operators. Recruit for the people already nearby. Test grocery and full-service food against prices, staffing, improvements, and capital. Consider repair, childcare, and other services where a separate needs review supports them. Give the week a dependable pattern. Agree on a trial schedule with willing neighboring businesses. Publish it clearly and review sales, staffing, and repeat visits. Improve the walk as leasing proceeds. Assign window, entrance, lighting, and maintenance work to those able to act. Complete smaller improvements while harder properties move forward. Keep decisions moving. Maintain one shared action record with a responsible person, a next step, and a review date. Keep property, business, and public-space responsibilities clear. First: confirm spaces, conditions, and people able to act. Then: complete agreed work and test useful uses and dependable hours. At the recheck: review active space, the connected walk, and coverage through the week. A better street should give the people who live here more of what they need close to home. 25
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