Neighborhood Guide: Belknap Lookout

Blending traditional architecture with new construction is the Belknap Lookout neighborhood. Located right outside the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, this lookout has become an attraction to many locals who wish to see the sunset during the summer days. The neighborhood is surrounded by Leonard and Michigan Streets on the north and south and by College Avenue and the Grand River on the east and west. Belknap is close to the festive nightlife of Michigan Street, Health Hill, and other attractions.

School Opportunities

The Coit Creative Arts Academy has become an authorized International Baccalaureate World School placed in Belknap. The Academy provides a Primary Years Programme, taking students from Pre-K to 5th grade. This institution strives to provide its students with the finest education and advocates for interdisciplinary learning of new philosophies and skills. The small classes, with 13 students for every 1 teacher, allow for a more attentive curriculum curated to the needs of the classroom. Ranked in the top 10 of Grand Rapids Public Elementary Schools in 2021, The Coit Creative Arts Academy is promising for any young pupil.

Parks

Belknap Park

In 1932, Belknap Park was renamed to celebrate the accomplishments of Civil War veteran Captain Charles Belknap. Located at Grand Rapid’s first pond, the park was developed as a part of the Works Progress Administration project in the 1930s. Unfortunately, in the early 1960s, nearly 2 million cubic yards of earth were eliminated to make way for the construction of the freeway that runs through downtown. With Grand Rapids’

Project X, an earthwork sculpture made by Robert Morris was placed on the hillside. The park has a wide variety of amenities such as a ball diamond, a sledding hill, and tennis courts. Belknap is a year-round playground having 7 more parks within its borders. This list includes Mary Waters Park, Coit Park, Reservoir Park, Lookout Park, Hastings Linear Park, Canal Park, and 6th Street Park.

Local Organization

Neighbors of Belknap Lookout

The Neighbors of Belknap Lookout is an organization that was founded in 1980 in order to crack down on local crime. Its mission is “ To empower residents of the Belknap neighborhood to identify their interests, support their own well-being, and facilitate community health and prosperity”. With the values of justice, community, quality of life, and accountability in mind, the organization strives to make a great impact on large institutions and better its community. Recent wins for the Neighbors of Belknap Lookout consist of buying a garden at 762 North and testing better trash cans at bus stops the organization has even influenced the development of mixed-income apartments behind GVSU’s Finkelstein Hall. This team has made it a point to better Belknap and help the neighborhood become a safe environment filled with prosperity.

Restaurants

Sandy Point Beach House is a casual fine dining restaurant that features new American cuisine. Its menu features a balance of new culinary techniques and fresh seafood with fine-quality steaks. The establishment has a large outdoor patio paired with

an outdoor bar. Being close to the beach this restaurant offers a great view with your meal. One popular meal is the classic burger which is made with USDA Prime, Aged Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Toasted Brioche Bun and paired with fries and their famous fancy sauce. Sandy’s has taken the place as the best food on the lakeshore.

Established in 2014 The Garage Bar was built as an homage to an old space that served Grand Rapids as a tavern during the 1900s. The restaurant is known for its 2-3-4 deal held daily where there’s always a $2 draft, a $3 well drink, and a $4 glass of wine. The Garage bar holds shot specials for its Sunday Funday which features its $4 Bloody Mary Bar that's been voted the best in West Michigan. It Specializes in American food, having ground-fresh-daily burgers,hand-cut french fries, and hand-breaded chicken strips Garage Bar and Grill makes for a great atmosphere.

SpeakEZ Lounge creates a fun and friendly environment that holds eclectic food. With specialty grilled sandwiches, premium salads, and unique entrees, SpeakEZ lounge aims to cultivate a “speakeasy” style pub setting. Its bar offers 12 craft beer taps along with a wide selection of wines with an unrivaled signature cocktail menu. The restaurant host Jazz every Sunday night, an open mic on Mondays, live music on Wednesdays, and a band

every weekend making it a perfect place throughout the week for date night. With Vegan and Gluten Free options, SpeakEZ Lounge recommends its Yankee Clipper Steak entree which is composed of a 6oz Manhattan-Cut NY Strip seared to temp, Pork-Confit Yukon Gold Potatoes, SEZ Succotash with Corn, Onion, Peppers, Kale, and Pebble Creek Mushrooms, finished with Lemon-Pepper Compound Butter. Providing quality food, drinks, entertainment, and service, the lounge is a one-stop shop.