1. One of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Grand Rapids is under new ownership. McKay Tower, on Monroe Center, near Rosa Parks Circle was purchased jointly by two Native American Tribes for $17.5 million.
Officials with Gun Lake Investments and the Waseyabek Development Company say it will be a mixed-use building with retail and office space, conference rooms and three floors of luxury apartments.
McKay Tower was built in 1914 by the Grand Rapids National Bank with just four stories. More levels were added in the following years, and it's currently the fifth-tallest building in the city.
2. There's only two-months left until Gilda's Club's 10th annual LaughFest takes place, and the organization is looking for volunteers.
There are many ways to help such as ushering, collecting tickets and helping people find their way to events or venues. Those interested in volunteering can register at Laughfestgr.org/volunteer.
Registration is open until February 10, and there will be some pre-festival training sessions.
3. There may be some new fees when heading to the beach this summer. The city of Muskegon has proposed adding payment kiosks at Pere Marquette Park.
16 of the stands will be to park and four would be placed at the boat launch.
The new parking fee would run visitors $5 during the week and $7 on Saturdays. Muskegon residents would not be required to pay the fee.
The idea will be presented at the City Commission meeting next month. If approved, the city hopes to have it all in place by Memorial Day weekend.
4. Soon you'll have the option of tossing your toothpaste tube in the recycling bin instead of the trash. Colgate has revealed a project five years in the making that would replace typical plastic and aluminum tube with the same type of eco-friendly plastic that milk jugs are made from.
The toothpaste that will fill it is vegan certified too! Colgate is the first in the oral care industry to offer this.
The company hasn't set an official launch date yet.
5. Another study says it once more, women find bearded men very attractive.
The report revealed men with very masculine faces and those with beards were rated more attractive, compared to those who have more feminine-looking male faces or clean-shaven faces.
Researchers say the findings held true; whether the woman was looking for a short-term or long-term relationships, adding men with masculine features including a wide jaw and strong brow with beards were rated the most attractive for both types of relationships.
