How the Acrisure Amphitheater is Transforming Grand Rapids Through Inclusion and Community
Author: Shandra Martinez for GR& Riverfront
Grand Rapids' Acrisure Amphitheater prioritizes community collaboration, transforming the riverfront with innovative funding and inclusive workforce development, setting a new standard for urban growth and connectivity.
Acrisure Amphitheater set to open in 2026.
As the Acrisure Amphitheater rises along the riverfront, the project has gone beyond construction to prioritize community and collaboration. The $184-million amphitheater, part of a transformative wave of developments across the Grand River corridor, is setting a benchmark for how projects can connect neighborhoods, drive economic growth, and create lasting community impact.
At the heart of its success is a commitment to not only meet inclusion goals but to surpass them. This commitment is paying off.
Kara Wood, executive director of Grand Action 2.0, says nearly $42 million is being spent on large, complex specialty construction that no local minority, women-owned, and micro-local business companies are likely to perform. Of the remaining $69 million available, developers had a goal of at least $6 million going to such companies.
So far, the project has far exceeded this target, with $9.48 million, or almost 14.5%, already delivered, and visions to go even further.
Laura M. Hopson, president and CEO of EM Services LLC, a local supply chain integrator, said the Acrisure Amphitheater project was more than a business opportunity; it was a chance to help shape her community.
“Post-COVID, I realized I couldn’t put all my eggs in one basket,” Hopson said. “The automotive industry didn’t present steady growth opportunities, so I pivoted to construction, which had significant growth in West Michigan.”
Hopson’s involvement began with a cold call to Scott L. Veine, vice president and senior project manager at Pioneer Construction.
“I didn’t expect Scott to answer,” Hopson admitted. “But that conversation led to a partnership that has not only diversified my small business but also helped this project achieve its inclusion goals.”
Veine credits the collaboration with EM Services for bringing a fresh perspective to procurement.
“Laura and her team brought a level of expertise you’d expect from an electrical contractor,” Veine said. “She pushed on schedules, ensured finances were in place, and made sure we received materials when needed. It is working out really well.”
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Construction Institute.
Community Collaboration
Grand Action 2.0’s commitment to gather community feedback helped shape this reality for the project. Developers conducted surveys and engaged with residents to ensure the amphitheater would be not just a venue, but a space for connection and shared experiences.
“This project has been a learning curve for everyone involved,” Veine said. “But it’s also been an opportunity to bring new businesses to the table and show what’s possible when you prioritize community engagement.”
Pioneer+Barton Malow, the joint venture the two construction companies created for the project, partnered with organizations like the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Construction Allies in Action, Urban League, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and Black Voices on the River. Meetings were held to listen to concerns and answer questions about the project.
Wood says the collaborative approach has been an integral part of the project.
“What’s happening here is the result of a shared vision,” she said. “The riverfront is a treasure, and this project allows everyone to see themselves as part of its future.”
"This is probably the largest riverfront redevelopment in the United States currently underway, covering 30 acres from Fulton all the way to Wealthy,” Wood continued. "It’s a big deal, and it’s been decades in the making, aligning visions and getting all the ducks in a row. The current plans reflect the community’s interests: more green space, public access to the river, trail connectivity, recreational opportunities, and even public art.”
"Back when I was with the city as economic development director, we put out a proposal for redeveloping 201 Market after the ‘mystery developer’ project fell through,” Wood said, referring to a 2006 proposal for the site that collapsed for several reasons, including financing. "The mystery developer got people thinking about the potential of the riverfront site, but it was his vision, not the community’s.”
Over time, community planning efforts like Green Grand Rapids and Whitewater helped galvanize public interest.
“What’s happening here is the result of a shared vision. The riverfront is a treasure, and this project allows everyone to see themselves as part of its future.”
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Construction Institute.
Opening Doors
This project has involved a host of activities: partnerships, joint ventures, outreach, and working with a wide range of aligned organizations, such as the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association, all focused on long-term community engagement.
"We’ve had small businesses come onsite to be mentored by prime contractors. It helps them build their resumes, gain skills, and eventually say, 'I can do this,’” Wood said.
The Urban League of West Michigan has been working with Pioneer + Barton Malow to increase opportunities for Black and Brown contractors and workers in the construction industry. Through two outreach meetings in 2023, the organizations helped connect 53 contractors with Pioneer Construction leadership and other industry leaders, providing access to potential projects and long-term business relationships.
“We're trying to bring diverse, Black and Brown contractors to the table with prime contractors so they can get contracting opportunities,” said Eric Brown, president and CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan.
While many focus on high-profile projects like the amphitheater and soccer stadium, Brown emphasizes that numerous other construction opportunities could open up because of these contacts.
“If they’re not able to get in on this particular opportunity, they’re able to make those connections, build those relationships,” he said.
Brown says these new connections will help the entire construction industry.
“The construction industry is in dire need of more subcontractors, in dire need of more employees, and I think there's an untapped labor market within Black and Brown populations,” he said.
As the construction boom continues, Brown says, it will be imperative to infuse more businesses into the Riverwalk development.
“A lot of folks are trying to work together to do economic development through construction,” he said. “You’ve got Black Voices at the River, River Equity, the city is interested, Grand Action 2.0 is interested, DGRI – all these organizations are coming together."
Through building a relationship with Pioneer Construction and assisting with contractor outreach, the Urban League became aware of the need for more employees and was able to assist using the general employment services it provides.
“A lot of folks are trying to work together to do economic development through construction. You’ve got Black Voices at the River, River Equity, the city is interested, Grand Action 2.0 is interested, DGRI – all these organizations are coming together.”
Broadening the Workforce
The amphitheater project has had other impacts on workforce development. A construction management intern from Ferris State University was hired full-time in December, after graduation. Grand Valley State University students also had a role. Additionally, the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) partnered with the project to provide hands-on learning experiences for students.
WMCI serves students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds across 19 high schools. Jen Schottke, president of WMCI, describes opportunities like these as particularly impactful for students in underrepresented groups, offering them a tangible connection to a field they might not have previously considered or had exposure to.
“By seeing people who look like them succeeding in these roles, many students have felt both inspired and empowered to pursue construction as a viable, rewarding career,” Schottke said.
“One standout example from this initiative is Aidsa, a first-year general carpentry student from Wyoming High School,” Schottke said. “We paired her with the ironworking team from Pioneer on the jobsite, where she had the opportunity to work alongside Audrey, a female ironworker. This experience was transformative for Aidsa. After her job shadow, Aidsa requested to interview two Pioneer employees at our upcoming Career Conversations event (a reverse interview event) and expressed her interest in working for Pioneer one day.”
Kyle Jelens, the high school program manager, collaborated with Veine to organize a full-scale job shadow day on-site at the amphitheater. Students interested in careers like concrete, masonry, carpentry, ironwork, plumbing, or electrical work engaged with industry professionals, all in one location. They didn’t just observe; they worked alongside these professionals.
WMCI will expand its program in the next academic year to include work-based internships, allowing students who complete their first-year program as juniors to return as seniors and be matched with a contractor-partner.
“Students will work for their assigned contractor four out of five days each week, gaining invaluable hands-on experience — and in many cases, earning a paycheck for their efforts,” said Schottke.
Historically, construction has been a “friends and family” industry, where people often entered the field because they knew someone who introduced them to it. This dynamic has made it difficult for those without personal connections to get onto that career pathway.
“By seeing people who look like them succeeding in these roles, many students have felt both inspired and empowered to pursue construction as a viable, rewarding career. ”
Through its work-based internships, WMCI aims to become that “friend” for its students, opening doors, fostering connections, and serving as the bridge between students and potential employers.
The focus on collaboration has elevated the impact of projects across the city, including the ongoing amphitheater development.
“This isn’t just a venue, it’s a space where the community can come together,” Veine said. “It’s about building something that belongs to everyone.”
