Friday, despite inclement weather, municipal business and government leaders of Grand Island cut the ribbon on the downtown Amur Plaza.
It’s an undertaking that took roughly a year to complete, with the assistance of Amur Equipment Finance. During Friday’s ceremony, business leaders noted how this can help expand the Grand Island economy.
“Amur Plaza is the most recent step in Grand Island’s efforts to attract and retain a vibrant workforce in order to make Grand Island a better place to work,” said Will Armstrong, a trustee with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation.
City officials noted that the Amur Plaza contributes to the vibrancy of the downtown area.
Brad Mellema, executive director of the Grand Island Tourism Bureau, remarked that the Grand Island Railside District is a crucial attraction in the city. What does that signify?
If a visitor comes to our city and does not visit Railside, they are missing out on one of the finest things we have to offer. Yes, the atmosphere transforms when the sun sets and the lights come on.”
The Amur Plaza will serve as the headquarters for Hear Grand Island. According to its director, Brent Lindner, there is something distinctive about downtown Grand Island after all the enhancements.
“Experience is what it is, come down here for a meal or whatever, but you can literally stay all day and night,” Lindner said. “Do the sculpture walk, see a movie at the Grand, grab a drink here, some food here, and go shopping; it’s been a wonderful day.”
Recent growth in Grand Island is viewed as a significant step in the correct direction by city officials.
Will Armstrong stated, “A redeveloping mall area and the Amur Plaza represent the aquifer of progress that flows beneath and through the place we call home.”
Friday was intended to be the first concert at Hear Grand Island’s new venue, but the musicians were forced to relocate to the Glass Bar in Grand Island due to inclement weather.