ANDY DRAGT » rapid growth media

Rick DeVos Introduces ArtPrize to the World

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:08:52 +0000

Thanks to forward thinking by Rick DeVos and backing from the Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, metro Grand Rapids today has become the site of an international competition for the world’s largest art prize. DeVos gives his reasons for putting Grand Rapids on center stage.

And what can I say? Sometimes things just work out. Because of another small project that I was given the opportunity to work on for ArtPrize, I was also allowed to shoot an interview with Rick prior to the big announcement. And, let me just say for the record that I think Rick and his team have come up with something truly special:

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.

ElevatorUp – Zeeland, MI

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:47 +0000

Elevator Up is a really cool company located in Zeeland, MI. I noticed their work through a mutual twitter friend and thought they would make an excellent story for Rapid Growth Media. Here’s a quote from their website:

Elevator Up focuses on small to medium size businesses that are developing, maintaining and growing web applications. We work best when working directly with you and your team. Nothing beats a well-rounded team that starts and ends together.

Corez Wine Bar

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:41:41 +0000

Yet another new establishment in the East Hills neighborhood filled with awesomeness! This is also the first project that I used my new DIY dolly on, check it out:

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:

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 JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, MI

Andy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:08:55 +0000

One of only 40 JW Marriott’s in the world, this Grand Rapids hotel offers a bit of entertainment for any and all.

I was allowed to take my cameras throughout this amazing hotel including the helipad on the roof. The result is a short film that I’m particularly fond of.

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.

Degas in Bronze at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Andy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:47:31 +0000

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts the only midwest exhibition the complete collection of Degas in Bronze.

Since recording equipment is not normally allowed in for the special exhibitions it was quite a pleasure to be able to bring in my cameras. The Gardens are a truly spectacular gift to the Grand Rapids community and I did my best to capture their beauty in this peace.