Resources
This project builds on the work of local organizations and planning efforts focused on creating a more connected and livable Grand Rapids.
THIS WORKSHOP IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS OR MDOT.
Embedded Files
The logo represents communities previously separated by US-131, now connected by a new green, low speed boulevard.
Initiating Meaningful Action for Green Inclusive Neighborhood Environments
imagine grand rapids
Led by Warren Rempel, IMAGINE GR is an initiative that was created as a direct response to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study which determined that US-131 from about Wealthy St and Cherry St. to M-11 was in need of “rehabilitation and reconstruction”.
This plan to rebuild and expand US-131 will attract more traffic through neighborhoods that have suffered with the harmful effects of the highway since its completion in 1962.
The goal of this initiative is to help residents have a voice in whether the highway should exist and to pressure MDOT to seriously consider less harmful alternatives.
Warren rempel
Warren Rempel has over 30 years of international experience as an architectural and urban designer focusing on transit-oriented development (TOD), station area planning, transit station design, and architectural design. His work in specialty areas including the design of interpretive centers, museums, Olympic facilities and ski resort villages, has given him a unique and broad range of experience in creating environments which actively engage the public.
Strong towns Grand Rapids
Strong Towns Grand Rapids is a local, volunteer-driven advocacy group affiliated with the national Strong Towns movement. They work to make Grand Rapids more walkable, bikeable, and financially resilient by advocating for safe streets, incremental housing, and the reduction of parking mandates.
Sustainable Planning Students
Students have planned this event in their land use planning capstone course, with content focusing on equity, inclusion, the importance of community voices, and environmental justice.
Our goal is to give a voice to the communities that have been systematically left out of the conversation and inspire residents to imagine what their city could look like when it works for them.
↓ Meet the students behind the workshop ↓
Promotions & Activity Coordinator
Chloe Martin
Chloe is currently a rising senior at GVSU studying Sustainable Urban Planning and Environmental Science. She is a Student Board Representative for the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association and a member of the Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographic Honors Society. This summer she will be studying sustainable city planning in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is passionate about placemaking, multimodality, and climate resilience. Outside of class, she is the president of the GVSU Plant Club and takes pride in her houseplant collection. She loves being outside, trying new foods, and discovering new music.
Outreach Specialist
Alana Latour
Alana is a rising senior double majoring in Communications and Sustainable Urban Planning. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and specializes in community engagement, stakeholder coordination, and project management. She is also an exceptional clarinetist, loves going to the lake, and enjoyes concerts at Cherry Park with her cat, Cherry.
Environmental, Public Health, and Accessability Specialist
Meredith Stemm
Meredith is a rising senior studying Environmental and Sustainability Studies with minors in Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning and Geospatial Technology. She is passionate about environmental justice, sustainable food systems, and accessibility. Outside of class, Meredith works at the Fred Meijer Center for Writing & Michigan Authors and participates on the E-board for Citizens Climate Lobby. In her free time you can often find Meredith hiking, cooking, or exploring new places.
Visioning Expert
Lester Dominguez-Torres
Lester is currently a rising senior at GVSU studying Sustainable Urban Planning and Environmental Science. He is the current president of the Association of Student Geographers and Planners. During his free time, Lester enjoys reading DC and Marvel comics. He also enjoys collecting Pokemon Cards. Lester has lived most of his life in Downtown Grand Rapids and is passionate about public transportation, pedestrian safety, and advocating for disenfranchised communities.
Case Study Expert
Ty Bobowski
Ty is currently a Junior at Grand Valley State University pursuing a dual bachelors in Urban and Regional Planning as well as Environmental and Sustainability Studies. This summer, he is excited to be working as a Transportation Planning Intern at Grand Valley Metro Council. Ty is very passionate about highway removal, walkable communities, strong localized economies, and brownfield redevelopment. During his free time, Ty likes to go for hikes, ride his skateboard, and play with his cat Windy.
Historian
Bryan Heiss
Bryan is currently excelling as a Junior at GVSU studying Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He is passionate about photography and is always looking for clients. He is also a 20 year US Navy veteran, who is passionate about taking care of veterans and their family. He is currently a board member of the Honor Veterans and Soldiers foundation. He enjoys cartography and using his skills to aid in environment justice efforts. Outside of class, he loves hanging out with his golden-doodle, Violet, trying new foods, and road trips to places unknown.
Your voice matters. Attend the workshop, share your perspective, and help shape a future vision for US-131.
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