(click to enlarge 1923 Grand Rapids City Plan)

From November 7-26, the Calvin College Department of Art and Art History presents an exhibition of new development plans at the (106) South Division Gallery entitled "Beyond Sprawl – New Development in Grand Rapids." This show is held in conjunction with the exhibition "A Field Guide to Sprawl - text by Dolores Hayden, Photographs by Jim Wark," hosted at the Center Art Gallery at Calvin College from November 14 to December 20.

Beyond Sprawl features many examples of urban redevelopment, as well as greenfield, brownfield, and infill development projects that seek to reconnect community and move beyond sprawl. Many of these current concepts are derived from traditional urban practices that have been lost over the years. Pieces of these urban practices can be seen in the example of the 1923 Grand Rapids City Plan that featured: urban blocks with internal parking, pedestrian friendly spaces, and high density housing.

Some of the projects included in this exhibition are: a proposed infill development next to 106 South Division Ave. by Calvin College Pre-Architecture students, a greenfield development at Knapp St. and Leffingwell Ave. by Mosaic Properties, a co-housing project near Belknap Park, a brownfield development at Diamond Ave. and Lake Dr. by Bazzani Associates, and a proposed urban redevelopment at Wealthy St. and Jefferson Ave. by Inner City Christian Federation.

Programs
(Ladies Literary Club 61 Sheldon Blvd - all other programs on Calvin College main campus at 3201 Burton St SE)

All for the Taking: 21st-Century Urban Renewal – Film Screening and Discussion led by Gail Heffner and Mark Mulder
Thursday, November 6, 4pm @ Spoelhof 150

The Nuts and Bolts of Building a Better City: The Essentials
Panel Discussion led by Gail Heffner - Suzanne Schulz (City Planning Department), Rosalynn Bliss (Grand Rapids City Council), and Andy Bowman (Grand Valley Metro Council)
Tuesday, November 11, 12noon @ Ladies Literary Club

Keynote Lecture by John Norquist, President and CEO, Congress For The New Urbanism
Friday, November 14, 7:30pm @ Commons Lecture Hall

Cities in the 21st century: Engaging Citizens in Zoning Decisions
Presentation and Discussion by Carol Townsend (United Growth for Kent County)
Tuesday, November 18, 12noon @ Ladies Literary Club

The Greening of Grand Rapids: Community Initiatives
Panel Discussion led by Dave Warners - Steve Faber (Newberry Place), Rachel Hood (West Michigan Environmental Action Council), and Barry and Heather Van Dyke (Bear Manor Properties)
Tuesday, November 25, 12noon @ Ladies Literary Club

Getting from Here to There: Transit Alternatives for the 21st Century
Calvin Environmental Assessment Program (CEAP) Poster Session
Kevin Wisselink (The Rapid), Thomas Tilma (Planning Consultant & Calvin College Instructor), Jay Hoekstra (Grand Valley Metro Council), and Dave Bulkowski (Disability Advocates)
Thursday, December 4, 4pm @ Spoelhof 150 (refreshments at 3:30pm)