History of Heartside

In the late 1870s, visitors came to the city through the Union Railroad Depot at Ionia and Cherry Avenue - thus making it the place where many people got their start in Grand Rapids. This area, now known as Heartside, thrived and grew bringing commerce and residents closer to the center - or heart - of the city.

Throughout the years, Heartside has grown to encompass a much larger district. From the river Lafayette Avenue, from Wealthy Street to Fulton, Heartside is home to many fabulous restaurants, interior design services, retro and eclectic gifts, hair salons, photographers, artists' galleries, coffeehouses, educational and social service organizations, major hospitals - well, you name it, Heartside has it!

Come and see for yourself - come to Heartside - in the heart of it all!