The [HAS HEART] Coffee Shop is a community base connecting the past with the present as a conduit for conversations and relationships built between veterans and civilians.
Through a partnership with the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation department, [HAS HEART] is able to uniquely fulfill its mission of bringing worlds together through art, design, and now: coffee.
Park History:
Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission
This park was originally deeded to Kent County in 1834 by Samuel and Anna Dexter. The City of Grand Rapids acquired ownership of the 1+ acre greenspace in 1852. Following World War I, residents expressed interest in converting the park into a memorial space with the names of the men and women lost in WWI. In 1926, the American Legion helped construct the granite pylons that are still standing there today, designed by local architect Ralph W. Demmon. In 1956, the park’s name changed from Fulton Park to Veterans Memorial Park, with monuments being erected honoring those lost in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Building History:
Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission
Located on the oldest park grounds in the city at Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial Park, the stone Classic Revival building was designed by local architect Henry H. Turner and constructed in 1936 with Works Projects Administration (WPA) funds. The now historic building was first home to the West Michigan Tourist and Resort Association. The building has reportedly been used previously as a recruiting station during WWII, but little is known about its use since then and when it was occupied by administration staff for the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum in the 1990s and early 2000s.
[HAS HEART] started “borrowing” the space to host our annual ArtPrize exhibits and pop-up shops starting in 2014. After a couple of years of temporarily activating the space each Fall, the concept for the Coffee Shop was put into motion in 2016. After years of fundraising, a global pandemic, and nearly a year of renovations, the [HAS HEART] Coffee Shop first opened for Veterans Day on November 11, 2023.
22 Sheldon Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Welcome to our 12th Annual ArtPrize Exhibit
Welcome to our 12th annual ArtPrize exhibit. For the first time ever, we’re able to host our entry, “2nd Best Cup of Coffee in the
Whistlestops for Ukraine Tour Stop
The “Whistlestops for Ukraine” tour by the German Marshall Fund visited the [HAS HEART] Coffee Shop for a meaningful discussion with local veterans about rebuilding
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 10
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included words from Richard App, the City’s retail, retention & attraction specialist, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, City Manager Mark Washington, president & CEO
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 09
While an unusual Halloween snowstorm was blanketing downtown Grand Rapids, inside the Coffee Shop was cozy and crazy with pictures getting hung, supplies being organized,
NOW HIRING! Coffee Shop Employees
[HAS HEART] is now hiring(!) 3-5 employees who will create an atmosphere of connection between the military & civilian worlds through coffee & conversations at
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 08
All of the coffee equipment has been installed, the soft-serve ice cream machine has run through its first batch of premium vanilla custard, the exterior
Camo Craft Night Recap + News Story
We had a great turnout at our first collaborative “Camo Craft Night” in partnership with Treetops Collective and members of their meaningful sewing program. It
WANTED: Crafty Volunteers
On Wednesday, August 30th from 5PM-8PM, [HAS HEART] is looking for a crafty volunteers to work alongside members of the Treetops Collective sewing program to
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 07
The countertops are being installed with the bigger coffee equipment items in place, the bench seating and retail display wall are being constructed, custom mosaic
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 06
The coffee bar is being built on the inside while the back area gets dug down deep in preparation for the finished patio opening out
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 05
The coffee bar backsplash, tile flooring, and a custom powder coated LaMarzocco espresso machine is all happening as we work on getting closer to opening
WANTED: Donated Uniforms
[HAS HEART] is asking the community to donate their excess battle dress uniforms (BDUs) and other military-issued items to be repurposed into bench cushions and
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 04
The drywall, mudding, and bar build-out starts inside while the outdoor patio work begins at the HAS HEART Coffee Shop.
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 03
The plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems have all been upgraded and replaced as the drywall starts to be applied inside the HAS HEART Coffee Shop.
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 02
Progress is happening in the HAS HEART Coffee Shop, including a renovation preview for local media coverage of the space.
Coffee Shop Renovations Update 01
After more than 5 years of planning, fundraising, and dreaming of opening the HAS HEART Coffee Shop, the walls are coming down, and renovations are