Park-like atmosphere planned for roadway on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Green space with benches, a walking path and bike trail may replace a stretch of roadway in front of the L. William Seidman Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Karen Ingle, vice president for Facilities Planning at Grand Valley, said the Grand Rapids City Commission has approved a request to permanently close Mount Vernon Avenue between Watson and Fulton streets. A portion of Mount Vernon Avenue has been closed for about two years while the city studied traffic patterns.

Grand Valley currently owns all properties adjacent to the street. Ingle said no timetable has been set for the redevelopment project, but an early concept plan includes a park-type setting with a 10-foot bike path that would connect to a Grand Rapids bike path.

"The redevelopment of that area will enhance the look of our downtown campus, connecting Secchia and Winter halls, the L. William Seidman Center and Bicycle Factory," Ingle said.