The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a funding tool Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) administers to help catalyze public and private investment in Grand Rapids’ urban core. The DDA Board of Directors met on Nov. 8, 2017 and took action on the following measures:

Approved Amendment to Lyon Square Design Contract

The DDA board approved an expanded scope and additional fee to continue the work of designing improvements at Lyons Square. The revised contract expands a previously approved contract to include additional study and design of proposed in-river improvements adjacent to Lyon Square, a public park. The additional fee is not-to-exceed $170,000 for a total cost of $600,000 to complete the design development phase.

Proposed Lyon Square improvements include replacement of the existing circular stepped amphitheater and reconstructing the area with a landscaped public park, north-south river trail connection, a tiered pathway system with connectivity to the Grand River and an earthen berm to strengthen the flood protection system. A proposed docking system also would enable greater access to the river and temporary watercraft mooring.

The Grand Rapids City Commission will consider the amendment to the BLD services agreement to reflect the evolved scope at the November 14, 2017 meeting.

Accepted Resignation of DDA Executive Director

The Board accepted the resignation of Kris Larson as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority.

The Board appointed DGRI Vice President of Planning Tim Kelly as interim Executive Director effective Monday, November 13, 2017.