Lyon Square’s Role in a More Walkable Grand Rapids
A visionary transformation: How Lyon Square redefined downtown Grand Rapids’ cityscape and Riverfront.
The new and improved Lyon Square is officially open in downtown Grand Rapids! This revitalized space is now a pathway to the city’s dynamic riverfront, but the journey to its completion was years in the making – nearly 15 years, to be exact. The transformation of Lyon Square isn’t just a new addition or small project for the downtown area, it’s a significant chapter in Grand Rapids’ story of intentional urban planning and design.
Alongside community leaders, the vision for Lyon Square’s revitalization was inspired by world-renowned urbanist Jeff Speck, whose unique insights, matched with the lived experience of city collaborators, laid the foundation for its design. “It was one of the very first walkability studies that I did,” Speck shared.
Why Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids’ commitment to reimagining its urban core was established long before other cities followed suit, with leaders prioritizing downtown development in a way that other metro areas hadn’t yet considered. During a conversation with GR& Riverfront in summer 2024, Speck reflected on the city’s forward-thinking approach, saying, “There was palpable evidence of an early commitment to redirect the suburban growth back into downtown. You see that in DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena. You didn’t see that 20 years ago in a lot of cities – but you saw it in Grand Rapids.”
While this early momentum helped position the city as a leader in revitalization, progress takes time and intention. Speck noted that one of the key challenges for Lyon Square was ensuring there were enough “eyes on the street” to create a vibrant, welcoming space where people felt connected to the area.
“There was palpable evidence of an early commitment to redirect the suburban growth back into downtown. You see that in DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena. You didn’t see that 20 years ago in a lot of cities – but you saw it in Grand Rapids.”
A Riverfront Renaissance
One of Grand Rapids’ greatest assets has always been the Grand River itself. However, like in many American cities, the river’s role had long been viewed through an industrial lens rather than as a social or recreational amenity. Speck explained, “Historically, rivers in cities have been places of transportation, energy, generation, and trash disposal. Most American cities with rivers have been slowly crawling their way back from a past in which [the river] wasn’t viewed as an amenity as much as a piece of infrastructure.”
Fortunately, by the time Speck began his work in Grand Rapids, the Grand River was starting to receive attention as a potential cultural landmark and a key part of the how the city could foster life and connection along its banks.
A Framework for Success
Speck’s 2008 walkability study and subsequent 2010 presentation to Grand Rapids leaders influenced many of the concepts that now define downtown, including the new version of Lyon Square we see today. But beyond urban design principles, Speck credits the city’s unique approach to collaboration for its success.
“The fact that a nonprofit was created as a framework to implement private philanthropy was instrumental in the outcomes you’ve received – and not every city has that,” he shared, referring to the work of community leaders and Grand Action 2.0. “Cities have philanthropy and foundations. A lot of cities have area foundations – but they don’t have organizations like Grand Action, that appeared specifically organized around improving the physical locations of the downtown core. You don’t need me to tell you that it worked, because the evidence is on the ground.”
“The fact that a nonprofit was created as a framework to implement private philanthropy was instrumental in the outcomes you’ve received – and not every city has that.”
Experience Lyon Square for Yourself
Lyon Square is more than just a revitalized space. In fact, it’s a living testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and community investment. Here, you will be able to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the fall and spring (and winter for those brave enough!) or listen to outdoor music in the summer. The area’s design prioritizes both walkability and accessibility, embodying the principles that have guided Grand Rapids’ transformation into a vibrant, inclusive urban center.
To experience the newly opened Lyon Square is to see how Grand Rapids’ riverfront continues to grow as a destination where history, design, and community come together. As always, stay tuned to GR& Riverfront to see what’s next for downtown Grand Rapids and the Grand River corridor.
