Grand rising, West Michigan. This is Lakeshore Current, where we plan your social calendar like that one friend you had in high school who always knew where all the parties were.

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• New Water Trail 🛶 

• Muskegon Adding 557 Units 🏢 

• Meteor Shower 💫 

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most eagerly anticipated astronomical events of the year, is approaching. Renowned for its vibrant displays, longevity, and high frequency, NASA heralds the Perseids as "the best meteor shower of the year." Unlike many meteor showers that produce only a few meteors per hour, the Perseids boast peak rates of up to 100 visible meteors each hour. If you're lucky, you may even spot a "fireball," a dazzling burst of color in the sky that resembles a comet more than a typical meteor. Although sporadic meteors may begin to appear as early as mid-July, the shower reaches its peak around August 13. Your ability to fully enjoy the spectacle will depend significantly on the level of light pollution in your area, so city dwellers might consider traveling to more remote locations for an optimal viewing experience. According to NASA, the best time to observe the shower is during the pre-dawn hours in the Northern Hemisphere.

From Muskegon Eyesore To 557 Units

Plans are in progress to renovate the underutilized Shaw-Walker factory at 920 Washington Ave in Muskegon, following its acquisition by developer Jon Rooks and Parkland Properties in late 2022. The approved renovation will create 557 housing units, along with a restaurant, commercial suites, a rooftop pool, and pickleball courts, with a presentation scheduled for the Muskegon City Commission on July 23. The project will preserve the existing Coffee Factory and 55 Watermark Loft condominiums while converting the former Watermark 920 event space into commercial suites. Given Muskegon’s significant housing shortage—nearly 3,000 units needed in the next five years—the development seeks to utilize existing structures and nearby parcels for parking and outdoor amenities. The initial phase includes 350 apartments and nearly 10,000 square feet of commercial space, while the second phase will add 100 apartments, 70 condos, and 37 townhomes, along with an indoor parking garage from the former Knoll factory. Public feedback has been largely positive, with some inquiries about construction timelines but no opposition. The city commission will review the planning commission’s recommendation, and if approved, construction might start by late this year or early next year. Rooks has prior experience with local developments and owns several businesses in Muskegon.

Ludington’s New Water Trail

Ludington State Park in Northern Michigan has introduced a new water trail, the North Canoe Trail, which spans a two-mile route between Hamlin Lake and Lost Lake. The trail is universally accessible and begins at the kayak/canoe launch located between Hamlin Lake Beach and the Hamlin Lake Boat Ramp. This new trail provides a more sheltered paddling experience compared to the park's existing 5-mile water trail, which involves portages and traverses swamps and open waters. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes at the Hamlin concession if they do not have their own. The route includes wayfinding signs, guiding paddlers along the shorelines, with markers to denote key locations. Notable sections include areas with clear water, wildlife sights, and a peaceful atmosphere. Paddlers are advised to use sunblock, wear appropriate clothing, and have life jackets. The trail has no portages, making it accessible for casual paddlers. Map pamphlets are expected by summer 2025.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Chev’s Cafe Opens In Muskegon Heights

Chev's Cafe, a new restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, opened on July 5 at 3314 Glade St. in Muskegon Heights. Owner Mark Chiaverini aims to offer comfort food at affordable prices and has experience working in several restaurants. The cafe is named in honor of his late father, Roger "Coach Chev" Chiaverini, a longstanding football coach in the area. Chev's Cafe offers a casual atmosphere with a TV, wall decor, a free Pacman arcade game, and a mural painted by Chiaverini’s daughter. The cafe operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saugatuck Airport Property

Saugatuck is evaluating a proposal from ODC Network regarding 170 acres of unused airport property in Saugatuck Township. The city, which acquired the land years ago with plans for an airport that never materialized, has seen previous development proposals for a golf course, sports complex, and park all fall through. ODC's proposal focuses on preserving the land as green space and improving public access through a defined trail system, a scenic overlook, a new trailhead with a site map, and a parking area. The estimated project cost is $130,000, which will cover habitat restoration and trail development. During a recent City Council meeting, concerns were raised by community members, leading to a petition with 121 signatures, including 75 from local residents, requesting a pause on any actions until further resident input is gathered. City Manager Ryan Cummins confirmed that funding is secured, with initial trail work slated for fall and additional developments planned for spring.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

Muskegon

Tuesday - Muskegon Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Muskegon County Fair - Antique Tractor Pulls 9am-7pm

Valkyrie - Trivia Night 7pm

Wednesday - Muskegon Flea Market 8am-2pm

Muskegon County Fair - Flying Star Rodeo 9am-7pm

Fricano Place - Cruise-In 5:30-7:30pm

Unruly Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm

USS LST 393 Veterans Museum - Yoga on the Ship 7pm

Grand Haven

Tuesday - Downtown - First Block Kids Night: Reptile Show 6-8pm

Bolt Park - Sounds of Summer 7pm

Grand Armory Brewing Vinyl Night 6:30pm

Wednesday - Grand Haven Farmers Market 8am-1pm

Music On The Grand 7pm

Unicorn Tavern - Wine Flight Wednesdays

Whiskey and War Stories at American Dunes 7pm

Holland

Tuesday - Park Theatre Open Mic doors open at 7:30pm

Midtown Center - Food Truck Tuesday + Live Music 5pm

Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront - American Legion Concert 7:30pm

Zeeland - Soundz of Summer Concert Series 6:30pm

Wednesday - Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Market Kids Activities 9:30-11:30am

Big Lake Brewing - Live Music at the Lake 6pm

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club Wednesday night sailboat races 6:30pm

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

Looking to improve your golf game or hosting an event this summer?

Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, Simulator Consultants is a locally owned and operated, customer-focused company that provides high-quality golf simulator installations and mobile event rentals. Our installations cover commercial and residential settings, simulator equipment sales, custom designing, and consulting services to accommodate virtually all spaces. Additionally, Simulator Consultants offers mobile golf simulator rentals for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, corporate events, marketing events, trade shows, expos, and other gatherings both big and small. We take great pride in the personalized experience our team provides to each and every customer.

WEATHER

Tuesday

80 🌡️ 68 | 🌦️  | 40% | 💨 SSW 8 mph (7 knots)

Wednesday

76 🌡️ 61 | 🌦️  | 40% | 💨 WNW 10 mph (9 knots)

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

The Deck I Brena I 6pm

Heritage Landing I Shoreline Symphony Orchestra I 7pm

Bolt Park I The Illustrated I 7pm

Kollen Park I American Legion Concert I 7:30pm

Wednesday

The Deck I Pretzel Logic I 6pm

Lucy’s I Live Jazz I 7pm

Music On The Grand IThe 6-Pak Band I 7pm

Big Lake Brewing I Joe Johnson Duet I 6pm

The Park Theatre I LIVE THE WHO - Tribute to The Who I 8pm

SPORTS

Tuesday - Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians 6:40pm

Wednesday - Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians 6:40pm

PAST RESULTS

Tigers won 8-2 against Guardians

Thanks!

Thanks for reading Lakeshore Current today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who likes oysters.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here

Want to get your business in Lakeshore Current? Reply to this email

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]