REGISTER NOW: Uncomfortable Conversations: The Skills Crisis

Tell Me More

REGISTER: 8THIRTYFOUR Skills Survival School Founding Cohort

Save My Spot

Follow Us

Linkedin Instagram Facebook Youtube
CLICK ME

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?

Share the goods.

A white brick wall with teal painted dog, golden guinea pic, and hearts, with the text, "Won't You Be Our Neighbor?"

Hi, 👋🏼 As you’ve probably noticed from our socials, we are in a new location on the NE side of Grand Rapids, known as Creston, and we are VERY excited about it. Creston is where 8THIRTYFOUR was born, and it is very special to all of us, which is why we made a big investment and bought 1365 Plainfield NE (the coolest building in all of GR), also known as the Phillips Building. We know how awesome this neighborhood is, but it seems not everyone is as acquainted with the extreme cool factor of Creston.

We’ll be doing a series of blogs to share all the kickass things going on here, but first, a history lesson.

The Creston district, which is located in Grand Rapids’ Second Ward, includes Creston, Creston Heights, Cheshire, North Park and Riverside Gardens.

In addition to its quaint collection of businesses along Plainfield, it is most loved for its tree-lined, curving streets that stretch West of the business district down the hill to Monroe Avenue and Riverside Park.

The Neighborhood

We are the largest neighborhood in the city of Grand Rapids, with over 27,000 residents, stretching from Leonard on the South end, Riverside Park on the West, 4 Mile on the North, and East of Fuller on the East.

So why are people more familiar with Eastown, Cherry Hills or the West Side? Not cool, you guys. Get over here and experience what makes us great.

Now a few basic facts.

  • Our neighborhood started as a factory working class area to a mixed-use suburban area.
  • The name Creston was chosen by residents in 1906 due to the “crest” of the hills near Spencer Street and Plainfield Avenue.
  • In 2019 we were named the Hottest Zip Code by Realtor.com. 
  • We are one with nature, from gardens to parks and pools, Creston offers plenty of ways to get active.
  • We are home to Huff Park, Riverside Park, Briggs Park and Aberdeen Park and we have a community garden. 

The Businesses

Creston is full of a lot of kickass small businesses, like yours truly. These range from local breweries and restaurants, art galleries, banks and credit unions, markets, churches, and other professional services. Lions & Rabbits, owned by Hannah Berry, hosts a range of awesome events in our neck of the woods. 

The Creston Business Association encompasses the Cheshire Business District & Creston Business District. You’re probably familiar with Graydon’s Crossing, The Rez, Frosty Boy, Lucy’s and Kingma’s. 

But…did you know Gaia House Cafe is here? And the coolest new restaurant, Cafe Mamo is serving up some amazing entrees, brunch and craft cocktails.

We’re invested in this neighborhood because it is unique, funky and shit is happening here. So stay tuned, cause we got some cool stuff we’re working on.

P.S. Clear the month of November. We’ll be announcing a very cool party you don’t want to miss. 

Leave A Comment

Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

Let's Chat

FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973.
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store.

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch.

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

1 0
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 17898983202545176
FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. @crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.

5 0
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation.

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.

3 0
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women`s Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you`ve got a team of 10 or it`s just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You`ll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who`ve been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

10 3
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.