GRAND RAPIDS - Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University has received
first place in the “Adaptive Reuse” category in the Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance’s
Downtown Awards program.
The Downtown Awards program was established in 2010 by the Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance,
a private, non-profit organization responsible for maintenance, beautification, marketing,
communications and advocacy for downtown Grand Rapids. The Downtown Awards, presented
every other year, is a program to recognize exceptional accomplishments in the ongoing
investment in downtown Grand Rapids.
Downtown businesses and the general public were invited to nominate organizations
in seven categories. Online voting was opened to the public July through August;
the final decision on the first-place winners was a combination of the public vote
and the Awards Committee vote.
Nominees were selected using the following criteria:
- Modeling a standard of excellence
- Innovation; an innovative or unique approach
- Achieves a maximum positive impact
- Working with/enhancing the existing design and assets of downtown Grand Rapids
The award was presented for the extensive renovation of the Historic Federal Building,
now part of Kendall’s campus, at the Downtown Alliance’s annual meeting.
Ferris State University President David Eisler, on behalf of Kendall, accepted a “Gretchen,”
a signed and numbered, framed print from a series of paintings by Gretchen Minnhaar
called “Urban Parade.” Minnhaar is an award-winning international artist who lives
in downtown Grand Rapids.
Kendall President David Rosen, along with Vice President Sandra Davison-Wilson and
Physical Plant director Lee Cobb also were on hand for the presentation. Rosen noted
that Kendall was an eager partner in the Downtown Alliance’s efforts to build a vibrant
area that produces benefits for the city and region and serves as an attractor for
people from all over the globe.
“We feel honored that our part as active community members was recognized in this
award,” Rosen said. “We will continue our partnership in making Grand Rapids’ future
prosperous and noteworthy.”
As a unique part of Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design prepares
students for leadership in the visual arts, design, art history, and art education;
provides innovative, collaborative education that fosters intellectual growth and
individual creativity; and promotes the ethical and civic responsibilities of artists
and designers, locally and globally.