ANDY DRAGT » Development

Renatus On The Hill

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:52:22 +0000

Inspired by condo conversions of stately structures done in Europe and major cities such as Boston and New York, Kevin Moore is breathing new life into a landmark Gothic-styled church near the Medical Mile of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

let’s go. march. – Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:09:25 +0000

So, I’ve stayed pretty close to my core competencies in this journey as a freelancer. I don’t know motion graphics all that well, I don’t own a green screen, oh and I’m not a screenwriter. So I try to be honest and not take on projects that would expect these things out of me. That being said, I have for some time been interested in learning a few tricks in After Effects. One of the techniques that most interests me is the use of photoshop layers to create a sort of “3d picture effect” from still images. Well, I finally decided to give it a go this month on a project for the Downtown Alliance and the response has been very positive. I’d love to here what you think:

35 Oakes – The Future Forum Apartments

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Another great structure that has sat vacant and abandoned in the heart of Grand Rapids for decades. This building is right around the corner from the Van Andel Arena, the Hopcat and all the rest of Ionia Ave coolness:

Redeveloping the Flat Iron Building

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:57:17 +0000

It’s hard for me to believe, but the upper floors of these buildings have been abandoned for a half a century. Thanks to the crew at Locus Development, they’re coming back:

The Winchester On Wealthy

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:06:07 +0000

Heres betting the old Somerdyke Plumbing building, 648 Wealthy SE, has never seen a renovation like this one. The Arnold Lee family converted the space into an upscale English pub, bringing a new type of eatery and drinking establishment to the growing list of restaurants in the Wealthy Street business district.

This project is one of the most amazing renovations that I’ve ever seen. The Lee family invested a million dollars in this building right around the corner from my home and I’m looking forward to walking over for a pint when they open next week:

The Fitzgerald

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:36:30 +0000

This project brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, it’s fun to stay at the YMCA!

The Wealthy Theatre

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:25:23 +0000

Here’s a story on the Wealthy Theatre. Have I mentioned how much I love living in this neighborhood!

Wealthy Theatre is the anchor of the Uptown neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI. From ‘America’s Got Talent’ style, New Talent Night, to cult classics in the micro-cinema… It all happens at the Wealthy Theatre.

Wealthy at Charles

Andy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:33:55 +0000

This store is right around the corner from me. It was a pleasure to create this story, their garden adds so much to that section of our neighborhood.

Lenn and Michael have created a must visit home store in what was once thought to be a no-go area of the southeast side. But life continues to come back to the Wealthy Street corridor and I really wanted to capture their unique take on the process since this is also their home.