Neighborhoods

Andrew Gemmen serves a customer at his Hudsonville Ace Hardware store, named 2021 Coolest Hardware Store by the company.

How Gemmen’s Ace Hardware in Hudsonville became ‘coolest’ in the U.S.

The third-generation retailer was named Ace Hardware’s 2021 Coolest Hardware Store out of more than 5,400 Ace locations around the world.

Latest in Neighborhoods
Vista Green is located at 285 W. 36th St. The joint partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Jubilee Ministries will provide a total of 42 affordable units for home ownership.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity raises $1.65M for new neighborhood build

Habitat for Humanity has raised more money in the past nine months than during any other capital campaign in the nonprofits 31-year history. The need, however, is great. The city of Holland needs more than 120 homes to meet current needs, according to the nonprofit. 

Kids who attended Pumpkinfest enjoyed having their faces painted, climbing on inflatables, riding a barrel train, and playing a variety of fall yard games, including bowling with pumpkins.
Return of Zeeland Pumpkinfest generates ‘amazing response’

Crowds filled downtown Zeeland as families and friends gathered to enjoy the return of the city’s biggest annual community gathering, the Pumpkinfest celebration.

Bentley Weeks, 7, and Lori Appeldorn water the plants in the pockets of a Florafelt in the alley between 18th and 19th Streets along River and Central Avenues in Holland, Michigan, July 30, 2021.
Rally for the Alley transforms neighborhood, neighbors

Three years ago when Holland neighbors got together to transform their shared alley, they didn't realize the biggest change would be to their relationships.

Liv Butler is one of the mural artists for the Spring Lake Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design project.
Spring Lake murals celebrate creativity while hindering crime

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is paying off in Spring Lake, where murals line the Lakeside Trail. Sheriff’s Deputy Cory Allard says, by bringing people into the area to see the art, there’s less opportunity for crime to occur.

HDPS's Community Policing Team No. 1 job is connecting with people in Holland. Sometimes that means ice cream and a smile.
Polar Patrol serving more than ice cream

HDPS's Community Policing Team No. 1 job is connecting with people in Holland. Sometimes that means ice cream and a smile.

Proponants for social districts say a drink in hand makes the wait more bearable for restaurant patrons who are up to an hour away from being seated, and it benefits nearby shops.
Lakeshore communities welcome the benefits social districts offer businesses

Social districts allow businesses to sell alcoholic beverages that can be consumed in publicly owned common areas. Proponents say this makes the wait more bearable for restaurant patrons who are up to an hour away from being seated, and it benefits nearby shops.

The Joe Marcinek Band and Benzing Graves Collective recently played Holland's Park Theatre.
Park Theatre bursts back on the scene with new vigor post-pandemic

Downtown Holland's Park Theatre hit the ground running when it reopened its doors post-pandemic. The nonprofit venue is expanding its tastes to include comedy and art events, including some top-bill acts from around the country.

The “new” MLK Neighborhood Association – Developing neighborhood block champions

After reemerging in 2020, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Neighborhood Association has continued to strive and move forward through the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to continue caring for one other and advocating for the community. Even through the challenges, the faithful few have come together virtually, working on their mission to continue enhancing the overall quality of life in the neighborhood and building on the rich history that has become a known part of the community for over 40 years.

The Beer City Open is putting West Michigan on the map for pickleball.
Beer City Open puts West Michigan on the map for pickleball

The Beer City Open, co-founded by Grand Rapids attorney and Grand Haven resident Andrea Koop, is putting West Michigan on the map for pickleball. The tournament attracts hundreds of players, both amateurs and professionals, each year. This year’s prizes top $30,000.

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