DeVos Place celebrates 10th Anniversary with Celebration
Open House, Saturday, June 13th from 10AM - 5PM.
#FBF: 10 Years of Fun
DeVos Place®
wasn't always the grand convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids that it
is now. The ground upon which it was built was once treaded on by Native
Americans, ironmongers, factory workers, retailers and shoppers. With such an
important part in Grand Rapids history, the land and area that DeVos Place is
built upon has a vibrant history all its own.
Something New
In June 1997, Grand Action, a nonprofit organization that
identifies downtown revitalization projects and building, presented information
regarding a convention center expansion on the Grand Center. With Grand Rapids
growing into a cultural hot spot, conventions would bring business and people to
the city. Through a variety of fundraising efforts, the Convention Center
Ceremonial Groundbreaking took place in August 2000. The Convention Center
would be named DeVos Place. In 2003, the Grand Gallery and Meijer Exhibition
Hall were opened with the final addition to the building being completed in
2005 with the opening of the DeVos Place Steelcase Ballroom.
DeVos Place brings
Tourism to Grand Rapids
In the ten years that DeVos Place has brought conventions,
events and culture to the city, it has been the center to a variety of fun and
interesting shows. From bringing a Ferris wheel into the Exhibition Hall for
the Grand Opening, to thousands of rabbits for American Rabbit Breeders
Association and beyond. It has also been the pinnacle of its community with
thousands of people attending events and millions being spent on the city,
bringing forth a true economic impact.
DeVos Place is celebrating with an Open House on Saturday, June 13th from 10AM-5PM! There will be free
parking, free hot dog and Pepsi®
for the first 10,000 people, Ferris wheel and much more!
Community organizations such as the Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Police
Department, the Harbor Humane Society, and many more will be
present with a variety of activities for all ages. There will also be two
entertainment stages with performances such as Jump with Jill, The Diemakers,
Pacific Island Dancers, Bangarang Circus and much more! For a full list of
performances, and more information
about the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Open House, please visit our Facebook or website!