Downtown in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Island #1
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 5, 2024
1. Island #1 Marker
This site was originally on Island #1 of four islands in the Grand River. The island area would be from just across Pearl Street to Louis Street on the west side of Campau Avenue. Over time this area was filled in to control river flooding, absorbing the islands into downtown.
A shoe manufacturer first constructed a building here in the late 1800's. The building site was also used for cigar making, furniture manufacturing and sales, and various other commercial interests before being transformed into the JW Marriott Hotel. The terra-cotta pilasters to the right were used on the street level facade of the former building and saved for use here.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 42° 57.978′ N, 85° 40.409′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Pearl Street Northwest and Campau Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east on Pearl Street Northwest. Marker is in the Grand Rapids Sister City Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel (here, next to this marker); The Salvation Army
this page online
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 5, 2024
2. Island #1 Marker
This marker is on the opposite side of the bench/planter.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
