Animated film spotlights $1.2+ billion in projects reshaping the Grand River corridor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Experience Grand Rapids unveiled a new video today that captures the scale and excitement of downtown Grand Rapids’ ongoing transformation along the Grand River. The 90-second animated film, titled Dream Grand and Grow, brings to life seven major development projects that are reshaping the city’s riverfront and strengthening its appeal for visitors, residents and future investment.

The video premiered today at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon before an audience of business and community leaders. It will be used by Experience Grand Rapids to highlight the city’s growth story and share a unified vision of the future taking shape downtown when presenting to convention and meeting planners.

“There are so many organizations and leaders working on individual aspects of downtown’s transformation,” said Kate Lieto, vice president of marketing for Experience Grand Rapids. “This video pulls all those efforts together into one big picture, showing meeting planners, potential visitors, and residents alike what Grand Rapids is becoming.”

Seven Projects, One Vision

The video highlights seven projects representing more than $1.2 billion in investment along the Grand River corridor:

  • Lyon Square – a newly completed $12 million riverfront plaza featuring public art, event space, and river overlooks.
  • Amway Stadium – a $175 million, 8,500-seat soccer and multi-purpose venue opening in 2027, home to MLS NEXT Pro team Athletic Club Grand Rapids.
  • Grand Rapids Public Museum Expansion – a $50 million renovation and outdoor education space enhancing accessibility and riverfront engagement.
  • Grand River Greenway – an 85-mile regional trail network connecting more than 30 parks and riverfront destinations.
  • Fulton & Market Development – a planned $797 million mixed-use project redefining the city skyline.
  • Grand River Restoration – a multi-year ecological project returning the namesake rapids to downtown Grand Rapids and restoring native habitats.
  • Acrisure Amphitheater – a $184 million, 12,000+ capacity riverfront concert venue opening in May 2026.

“Together, these projects represent one of the largest riverfront revitalization efforts in the country,” said EXGR President & CEO, Doug Small. “They’re changing how we experience downtown, how we connect to the river and how we tell our story to the world.”

A Locally Crafted Production

The concept for Dream Grand and Grow originated with Lieto and Experience Grand Rapids Video Media Manager Jack Stanley, who partnered with Ada-based IDEOLOGY Productions—home to Michigan’s first virtual production studio, Golden Hour—to bring the vision to life. The team chose to forgo artificial intelligence, relying instead on local animation artists.

Collectively, the production team spent more than 1,000 hours recreating downtown Grand Rapids in 3D, blending real drone footage with animated environments. The video features local residents Tia Ezel and Alice Jasper as kayakers paddling through the city accompanied by an original song—“Brand New Me”—by Chicago-based artist and producer Zach Kranz. The video is scored by local music and sound design artist Grant Floering.

“We wanted to create something that felt as imaginative and energetic as the city itself,” said Stanley. “This is not just a skyline reel—it’s an experience that shows how Grand Rapids is growing and evolving in ways that inspire pride and excitement.”

Inspiring Future Growth

Following its debut, EXGR will use Dream Grand and Grow in sales presentations with convention and meeting planners and will share the video with visitors and community members on Experience Grand Rapids’ digital platforms. The video extends the organization’s Dream Grand and Go campaign, continuing its work to highlight the city’s creative energy and momentum.

“LinkedIn named Grand Rapids the #1 U.S. City on the Rise in 2025, and this video shows why,” Lieto said. “We’re growing in ways that make the city even more inviting for visitors, business travelers, event planners and the people who live here.”

Dream Grand and Grow is available now at ExperienceGR.com/Grow and on Experience Grand Rapids’ social media channels.

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About Experience Grand Rapids

Established in 1927, Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) leads the marketing of Grand Rapids/Kent County as a premier convention & visitor destination providing a significant positive impact to the West Michigan economy. Previously named the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, EXGR represents the second largest city in Michigan with over one million residents