The Fix on I-96 to Begin in April 2010 – End Summer 2011

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

The Fix on I-96 to Begin in Arpril 2010- End of Summer 2011

Major remodeling on the I-96 expressway starting at the bridge over the

Grand River in Grand Rapids and running to Fuller Street exit is being

announced by Michigan Department of Transportation through a novel

method – a YouTube video.

The video takes you on a completed trip through the new proposed

highway, from both directions, east & west. It shows the 4 bridges

that will be replaced: Diamond, Lafayette, Eastern, and Coit Avenues.

This $40 Million project is part of American Recovery & Reinvestment

Act benefits. A new south wall, landscape beautification and new

signage and lighting will be added along this two mile driveway to

downtown Grand Rapids.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_PstCprpQk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

Article here but the best information is covered in the video.
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Good Eats = Marie Catrib’s

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Good Eats = Marie Catrib’s

We love to try new places to eat, especially for lunch. But Marie

Catrib’s in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids is an old

favorite. We have friends, John & Betsy who live in Heritage Hill

and Marie’s is a great place to meet.

The atmosphere is cozy and warm. The restaurant is always busy.

And the food is unusual and delicious. I prefer the vegetarian,

local products, my spouse prefers traditional fare. At Marie’s,

both of us are happy with the selections.

On our recent visit, I ordered the veggie Sweet Potato and

Quinoa burger [heavenly and huge] while my pard ordered the

Turkey Rueben [messy but de-lish].

Marie Catrib’s From the Street

East Hills is the center of the universe.

A take-out case is loaded with great deli and take home offerings.

Marie Catrib’s is located at 1001 Lake Dr SE Grand Rapids MI

We received no remuneration or monies to recommend this business on our blog.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Online Relocation Guide

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan is a diverse metropolitan area comprised of many local cities and communities that surround the city of Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids metro area is the second largest city in Michigan with a population around 1 million.

West Michigan is a beautiful 4 season area of Michigan that has lots of hardwood forests, rolling hills, Lake Michigan beach shoreline, hundreds of lakes and rivers, and a thriving, diverse work environment with educated workers. We have 25 colleges and universities in our area, including the new Michigan State Medical School on the “Medical Mile” in downtown Grand Rapids.

Getting To Know Grand Rapids:

Since pictures speak louder than words, we have links to photos & videos of some of our local communities:

Ada Michigan is a small community southeast of Grand Rapids with an excellent school system and lots of suburban homes.

Caledonia Michigan is a small suburban community that has farms and a rural suburban setting.

East Grand Rapids Michigan is a city bordering on Grand Rapids that has lovely older homes, an excellent school system, and excellent city services, including community events, leaf pick-up in fall, and over 100 miles of plowed city sidewalks in the winter. And a quick commute to the downtown area.

Kentwood Michigan is a suburban community southeast of Grand Rapids with businesses such as Steelcase, one of the nation’s largest office furniture manufacturers. Plus lots of suburban housing subdivisions, both new and established, in addition to rental communities.

Lowell Michigan is a small community east of Grand Rapids with a vibrant business community, excellent school system, and a mixture of older homes and newer subdivisions, all centered around the Flat River.

Rockford Michigan is a small community north of Grand Rapids on the Rogue River. It is home to the global shoe manufacturer, Wolverine Worldwide, but has a small town feeling with unique boutiques, shops, and wonderful restaurants. Many newer homes, established subdivisions and older homes populate the Rockford area.

Quality of Life in Grand Rapids:

Grand Rapids Michigan Rated 5th Most Affordable Housing in US –Aug 21, 2009 – CNN Money has rated the top cities in affordable housing.

Top Schools in West Michigan – June 15-2009 – Six West Michigan public Schools were rated in the top 1500 schools in the nation by Newsweek.

Spectrum Hospital Ranks in Nation’s Top 100 – Nov 3, 2009

Fav Restaurants in the Grand Rapids Area:

Good Eats – Real Food Cafe – Nov 20, 2009 In Alger Heights and NorthlandDr locations offer great comfort food at great prices.

First Choice for Chinese in Forest Hills = First Wok – Dec 4, 2009 – Located inthe heart of Cascade, this Chinese Restaurant is one of our favorites.

The Grille Restaurant at Watermark Country Club – March 9, 2008 –

Serving fresh local foods when possible, this restaurant is always busy. Whether you stop in for a business lunch or have a quick meal after you play nine holes, you can’t go wrong here.

Vitale’s Restaurant & Pub – Aug 23, 2010 – Casual dining in Ada andother areas of Grand Rapids – a very popular place to get your pasta fix.

Recreation in Grand Rapids:

Art Prize – Sept 24, 2009 – Planned to be an annual event in Grand Rapids,

Art Prize took the city by storm this year with over $250K in prizes,

artists from all over the world bringing their art creations to GR.

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey – May 11, 2009 – A Night at a Griffins

Play-off Game

White Caps Baseball Signals Spring – March 15, 2009 – Opening day

for the local AA Team is much anticipated in Grand Rapids.

Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park:

The Sculptures – Mar 9, 2008 Outdoor sculptures at Frederick Meijer Gardens

The Conservatory – Mar 9, 2008 The tropical conservatory at Meijer Gardens

The Children’s Garden – Mar 9, 2008 – The Children’s Gardens at Meijer Gardens

Butterfly Exhibit – Mar 9, 2008 Yearly special exhibit that draws thousands.

Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series 2010 – April 26, 2010 – 12 concerts

held at the Outdoor Amphitheater.

Grand Haven – Aug 24, 2009 – Coast Guard City is a great destination for tourists and Michigan day trippers, like ourselves.

Roselle Park – Nov 6, 2009 – Natural Habitat Refuge on the Grand River with an observation tower, viewing deck, canoe/kayak launch, miles of walking trails.

Grand Rapids Golf – With over 900 courses in West Michigan, it could take a few years to play them all. A few local golf course articles & photos.

Real Estate Information for Buyers & Sellers:

You Want to Buy A House, Now What? – Oct 27,2010Buyer question and answers

Which Mortgage Do I Choose? – Key questions to ask yourself and lenders before you finalize your mortgage.

Buying Foreclosed Homes is NOT FUN! – May 6, 2008 – A few buying tips on foreclosed properties. Be Aware. Be Prepared. Use a SeasonedBuyer’s Agent.

Are you Looking for your Grand Rapids Dream Home? – May 13, 2008 –Lots of internet searches for the perfect home are being done right now.

Sellers Beware! Avoid 11 Mistakes That Could Cost You Hundreds, even
Thousands of Dollars! The difference between a profitable, seamless transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line.

Top Ten Questions You Should Ask Before You List Your Home – Crucial areas of expertise your Realtor should possess.

SEARCH for Homes in Greater Grand Rapids Area:

Grand Rapids Michigan- Homes for Sale

Ada Michigan – Homes for Sale

East Grand Rapids Michigan – Homes for Sale

Caledonia Michigan – Homes for Sale

Cascade Michigan – Homes for Sale

Kentwood Michigan – Homes for Sale

Lowell Michigan – Homes for Sale

Rockford Michigan – Homes for Sale

Waterfront Homes for Sale

Luxury Homes for Sale

Grand Rapids – Condos for Sale

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live inWest Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts andentertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Hospital Ranks in Top 100 for Nation

Posted on November 13, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Hospital Ranks in Top 100 for Nation

No one wants to get ill and end up in the hospital. But life happens.

We get sick, we get in accidents, we fall off ladders and break bones,

we have babies. When this happens it is very comforting to know

you have an excellent hospital in your local area that will be able to

care for you until you recover.

Here in Grand Rapids, Michigan we are very fortunate to have one of the

nation’s best hospitals to care for our citizens in need of health care.

Spectrum Health has 7 Hospitals and more than 140 service sites.

Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members

and 2,000 volunteers are a major part of our community and our economy,

providing $98.6 million in community benefit during its 2007 fiscal year.

Spectrum Health has earned more than 50 national awards during the

past 10 years. A recent study recognized Spectrum Health as one of

the best hospitals in the country for the sixth time in 10 years.

Spectrum Health was included on the list of Thomson Healthcare’s

100 Top Hospitals for 2007.

The winners were announced in the March 17, 2008 issue of

Modern Healthcare magazine.

The 100 Top Hospitals have higher survival rates, keep more patients

complication-free, and have lower expenses-all while maintaining financial

stability. Thomson Healthcare estimates that if all Medicare inpatients received the

same level of care as those in the 100 Top Hospitals winners:

more than 120,000 additional patients would survive each year
nore than 138,000 patient complications would be avoided annually
expenses would decline by an aggregate $6.2 billion a year
the average patient stay would decrease by more than half a day

If you are planning on relocating to Grand Rapids Michigan, you can rest assured your

medical needs will be in good hands.

Spectrum Health facts taken from Spectrum Health website – press releases

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Autumn on the Thornapple River Grand Rapids Michigan

Posted on November 3, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Autumn is a picturesque time of year here in West Michigan. We

have lots of rivers, lakes, fall color, and lots of wildlife. This series

of photos lets you see a few residents of the Thornapple River at

their daily routine. The Thornapple River flows into the Grand River,

the longest in the state at Ada Michigan. Needless to say, a haven for wildlife year round. This gaggle of geese was just off the

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in southeastern Kent County a few

weekends ago.

If you are looking for a home in the Grand Rapids Area, we service the following areas: Metro Grand Rapids, Ada-Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and Rockford. We have assisted Grand Rapids buy & sell homes for the last 35+ years. Call 1-616-292-7263 to talk with Terry or email him at: terry@terrywestbrook.com.

For MLS access to the homes for sale in the West Michigan Area,visit: Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate for a free search. Your search can be saved and modified as you view homes, with no obligation.

Thinking of selling your home? We offer one of the most extensive marketing campaigns in Grand Rapids with a major online presence for your home. With over 85% of buyers looking for homes online, this is where we concentrate our efforts. Click here to view Terry’s Realtor profile.

Subscribe to our Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

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Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

West Michigan has 4 seasons and fall or autumn is one of our favorites.

The foliage on the trees is yellow, red, orange, shades of green, and

brown. It all combines to paint lovely colors all over our landscape.

We captured a few photos of the fall season here in Ada Michigan

on the Thornapple River this last weekend. All were take from

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club near the Gerald R Ford International

Airport, just southeast of Grand Rapids.

In fact, we joke that it is the TCPB course here…….trains, cars, planes, and boats

can all be seen and heard from the course. We had an airboat travel down the

river while we were playing but I didn’t get my camera out in time to catch it in a photo.

Technorati Tags: west michigan golf course,thornapple river,ada mi 49301,grand rapids mi autumn color

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

This was captured yesterday playing golf at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course

on the Thornapple River in Grand Rapids Michigan.

My friend, Paul, and I got in a quick 18 holes in the afternoon.

The golf course was pretty open which left me time to snap a few shots

of our local scenery. This little maple is putting on quite a show!

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids MI Ottawa Hills Home Coming on the Market Soon

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids MI Ottawa Hills Home Coming on the Market Soon

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!

This charming two story Tudor home in Ottawa Hills will be coming on the

market soon. With 3 bedrooms up, 1 1/2 baths, hardwood floors, and

2 stall garage attached, this home has a very livable floor plan.

Built in 1931 with quality materials, it has lots of built in character

with a fireplace and bay window in the living room. A sun room, formal

dining room, kitchen with new laminate flooring, new roof in 2008,

and 2009 painted wood exterior.

Ready for new owners to move in and enjoy the neighborhood.

The new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School being built on

the site of the old Ottawa Hills High School, recently Iroquois Middle

School, is expected to be completed in fall 2010.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Open House Sun Oct 18th 2009 NE Grand Rapids MI Bungalow

Posted on October 15, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Open House Sun Oct 18th 2009 NE Grand Rapids MI Bungalow

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!

This sharp little bungalow on Grand Rapids Michigan NE side has a surprising

amount of room. The finished recreation room down and the large bedroom

up with a full bath make it a plus. Many improvements, new carpeting,

tile floors, fenced yard and a quiet neighborhood.

Come on over and take a look. We will be there Sunday from 12-2 pm.

Front of Home

Large Fenced Back Yard

Living Room with new carpeting

Kitchen has been updated with new cabinets, tile

floor, all appliances are included.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan ArtPrize 2009 Winners

Posted on October 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan ArtPrize 2009 Winners

The Grand Rapids Art Prize 2009 Finalists have been announced

…. drumroll…

The winners are as follows:

Open Water #24 Art Prize 2009 winner

Numero Uno: $250,000 Art Prize goes to: Ran Ortner for OPEN WATER #24

This painting will be on display at The Grand Rapids Art Museum through

Jan 2010 if you missed it during Art Prize. Saw a mention online that it

has been sold! Sure hope it stays in our community.

This painting is over 18 feet long…as Michigan is surrounded by water

and going through rough water economically right now, a fitting winner.

Imagine That Mural on GR Children's Museum

Number Two: $100,000 Art Prize goes to: Tracy Van Duinen for Imagine That!

This large outdoor mosaic mural by Tracy Van Duinen covers a portion of the

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum on the front. It is a permanent installation

and a wonderful, whimsical touch to one of our area’s attractions. Interactive

in many ways, this mural will teach, enchant, and educate all of us about

art for years to come.

Eric Daigh Portraits

Number Three: $50,000 Art Prize goes to: Eric Daigh for Portraits

These portraits are 4 x 6 feet and made of plastic push pins on boards.

Eric uses about 50,000 push pins for each portrait. You have to admire

the creativity and unusual medium of this artist!

Grand Dance sculpture in Grand River by David Lubbers

Number Four: $ 7000 Art Prize goes to: David Lubbers for The Grand Dance

Sculpture. A stunning sight in the middle of the Grand River with lights

and motion.

The Moose sculpture by Bill Segunda

Number Five: $ 7000 Art Prize goes to: Bill Segunda for The Moose

We haven’t seen this yet but would like to. Bill constructs his life size animals

using up to 60,000 nails welded on metal frame as fur. Hard to see in this picture

but it makes you appreciate the work, vision and creativity that went into this

entry.

Nessie project on the Grand River

Number Six: $ 7000 Art Prize goes to:Thomas Birks for The Nessie Project

This is just such a fun entry, who doesn’t love Nessie on the Grand River?

Field of Reeds Sculpture

Number Seven: $7000 Art Prize goes to: John Douglas Powers for Field of Reeds

This is a kinetic sculpture that measures 14 x 10 x 4.5 feet high. The 1001 reeds

sway back and forth to create a rhythmic motion & sound.

The Furniture by Sarah Grant

Number Eight: $7000 Art Prize goes to: Sarah Grant for The Furniture

This oversize table and chairs placed on the pedestrian Blue Bridge in

Grand Rapids was a favorite of many. With Grand Rapids’ Furniture City

past, it hit many people as not only fun, but indicative of GR’s past, as

evidenced by its full title: Furniture City Sets the Table for the

World of Art.

The Scarlet Empress Balloon Sculpture by Jason Hackenworth

Number Nine: $7000 Art Prize goes to: Jason Hackenworth for

Ecstasy of The Scarlet Empress

This fantasy sea creature made up entirely of balloons was stunning

and unexpectedly realistic. There were also people interacting with

the crowds wearing balloon costumes created by Jason.

Wind Dancer 2 sculpture

Number Ten: $7000 Art Prize goes to:Michael Westra for Winddancer 2

This welded kinetic sculpture moves with the slightest breeze.

It certainly charmed the voters who saw it.

That is the Art Prize Finalist line up for this year, 2009. We were all

excited and pleased with the community reaction and participation in

viewing and voting for their favorite pieces of art work.

Grand Rapids is looking forward to next year!

All pictures except Nessie, Furniture, and Scarlet Empress are courtesy of the Art Prize web site

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Category Archives: Grand Rapids Michigan

The Fix on I-96 to Begin in April 2010 – End Summer 2011

The Fix on I-96 to Begin in Arpril 2010- End of Summer 2011

Grand Rapids Michigan Good Eats = Marie Catrib’s

Grand Rapids Michigan Good Eats = Marie Catrib’s

Grand Rapids Michigan Online Relocation Guide

Quality of Life in Grand Rapids:

Recreation in Grand Rapids:

SEARCH for Homes in Greater Grand Rapids Area:

Grand Rapids Hospital Ranks in Top 100 for Nation

Autumn on the Thornapple River Grand Rapids Michigan

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Grand Rapids MI Ottawa Hills Home Coming on the Market Soon

Open House Sun Oct 18th 2009 NE Grand Rapids MI Bungalow

Grand Rapids Michigan ArtPrize 2009 Winners

Grand Rapids Michigan ArtPrize 2009 Winners