Lyon Square: Reborn
Historic Alley Returns to Roots as Gathering Place
An Unexpected Parallel
On an evening in May, a group headed to the Broadway Grand Rapids performance of “Wicked” at DeVos Performance Hall found amusement before the show. Scaffolding and construction surrounding the small crosswalk between Monroe Avenue and Lyon Street, NW, piqued their curiosity. Unbeknownst to them, the impending musical would serve as a parallel of realizing potential, as behind the road lies Lyon Square. This modest community space has played a pivotal role in sparking the ongoing transformation of downtown Grand Rapids for good.
This often-overlooked alleyway holds a significant place in Grand Rapids history. Today, it carries forward a grand vision to develop the riverfront and captivate the city’s full potential. In the 1700s, the People of the Three Fires—an alliance of the Ottawa (Odawa), Chippewa (Ojibwa), and Potawatomi (Bodewadi) tribes—used the banks of the Grand River, including what is now Lyon Square, as a gathering place. By the late 1800s, Grand Rapids residents knew the Grand River as a bustling hub of industry and lumber, supporting the burgeoning furniture industry. Areas now occupied by sidewalks and buildings were once home to loading docks, lumber ships, and tradespeople.
A Gathering Space, Once Again
Recognizing this history and significance, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. and its partners are leading a comprehensive redevelopment of Lyon Square, transforming it into an inviting, connected green space in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids—a gathering space once again. Work toward this goal began in October 2023 and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2024. The renovation will enhance connectivity to riverfront trails, introduce new seating and event spaces, and significantly increase green space and tree coverage.
"The revitalization of Lyon Square is a testament to Grand Rapids' commitment to preserving our history while embracing the future. This space, once a symbol of our city's industrial past, will soon become a vibrant hub for community gatherings and a key connection to our beautiful riverfront." — Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor of Grand Rapids
The groundwork for this transformation was laid in 2009, during the height of a crippling recession, when visionary business leaders commissioned Washington D.C.-based urban planner Jeff Speck and Grand Rapids’ own Concept Design Group to reimagine the alleyway between the Amway Grand Plaza and DeVos Place.
"When we first envisioned the redesign of Lyon Square in 2009, we saw it as more than just an alleyway—it was a potential cornerstone for a more walkable, connected downtown. It's exciting to see that vision finally coming to life in a way that honors the history of this space while pushing Grand Rapids forward." — Jeff Speck
That early investment led to the closure of the street to cars, the restoration of a river overlook, and the addition of a small fountain. However, despite these improvements, the space remained underutilized and fell short of its potential. Local leaders, however, remained steadfast in their commitment to realize the vision of Lyon Square as a vibrant gathering place anchoring downtown.
Latest updates:
Progress Comes to Life
Now, with a new design underway, the structural elements that aim to enhance the space's aesthetics and functionality are beginning to take shape, and the area is buzzing with activity. As Lyon Square nears completion, construction crews are diligently working on-site, with visible developments including new pathways, seating areas, and carefully considered details aimed at revitalizing the space.
"Lyon Square's transformation is about more than just physical changes—it's about creating a space that reflects the vibrancy and growth of downtown Grand Rapids. We're not just building pathways and seating; we're crafting a destination that will connect our community and enhance our city's cultural landscape for years to come." — Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
This ambitious project is expected to usher in a new chapter for Lyon Square, ensuring it serves as a dynamic and welcoming space for the next generation of visitors and residents alike. It’s going to be popular!
