GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Action by the Grand Rapids City Commission could lead to construction of a 14,000-seat amphitheater on riverfront property currently occupied by city facilities.
The commission Tuesday unanimously approved an option agreement with the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority to sell the land and facilities at 201 Market Avenue SW, immediately south of the U.S. 131 S-Curve. The option calls for the city to be paid $24.5 million for about 11.6 acres of the 17.5-acre site.
While tentative plans call for an amphitheater, the city will retain control of the actual riverfront, and part of the proceeds will be used to develop the river’s edge for recreational use. Other proceeds will be used to move city facilities that will be displaced by the sale.
The project has been complicated by the presence of a sewer line that must be moved before further development can proceed. Agreements have been reached to let sewer relocation to begin this spring, with completion expected by spring 2022.
