The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a funding tool that Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) administers to help catalyze public and private investment in Grand Rapids’ urban core.
To maintain a high level of openness and transparency, the full recording of the live-streamed DDA Board meeting on March 12, 2025, is available on YouTube.
The Board met on this agenda and took the following actions:
Retail Innovation Grant: REWIND Vintage
The Board approved funding to support a Downtown Business, REWIND Vintage, through the Retail Innovation Grant program. This grant program provides support for rent costs up to 50% over an 18-month term. REWIND Vintage is located at 17 Division Ave S. REWIND combines vintage resale clothing and goods, art and community/co-working space. It opened in June 2024 joining a host of recent vintage, thrift and resale retailers on the Division corridor.
The Board approved funds not to exceed $24,681 for a Retail Innovation Grant.
Retail Innovation Grant: NIDO
The Board approved funding to support a new Downtown Business, NIDO, through the Retail Innovation Grant program. This grant program provides support for rent costs up to 50% over an 18-month term. NIDO is located at 315-317 Division Ave S. It is an independently owned retail space focused on providing a third-space for the community with art exhibits, events, vintage resale and co-working space.
The Board approved funds not to exceed $23,026 for a Retail Innovation Grant.
Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Furniture
The Board approved funding to support the purchase of new high-quality, durable outdoor furniture at Rosa Parks Circle to will replace the current furniture that is beyond its useful life. The new tables, chairs and umbrellas will improve the experience of park visitors and will be delivered and installed in June. The total cost of the furniture is $155,000 to be split three ways between the DDA, the City of Grand Rapids and the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy.
The Board approved funds not-to-exceed $52,000 for the DDA's share of the purchase price for new furniture at Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle.
