Downtown Holland

1847

Holland is founded. From the beginning of the community’s development, 8th Street is the main thoroughfare through town and the heart of commercial activity.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

October 8-9, 1871

Fire destroys two-thirds of Holland, including the commercial center along 8th Street. Most buildings are reconstructed by 1875.

Image courtesy of the Hope College Archives and Special Collections.

1901

An electric railroad, the Interurban, connects Holland’s beaches, resorts, and downtown to Grand Rapids. It remains in operation until 1926.

Image courtesy of Hope College Archives and Special Collections.

1920s

As more residents and visitors begin traveling by car, vehicle parking is added along 8th Street.

Image courtesy of Hope College Archives and Special Collections.

1960s

US-31 is built, bypassing Downtown Holland and reducing traffic along 8th Street. In 1968, an idea to close downtown to traffic and turn it into a pedestrian mall is considered, but is never implemented.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

1974

Streetscape investments are made downtown. The number of lanes on 8th Street is reduced, safer pedestrian crosswalks are built, angled parking is re-established, and landscaping enhancements are made.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

1980s

Discussion of building an indoor mall downtown prompts the formation of several local committees aimed at preserving and revitalizing Downtown Holland instead. Their efforts are successful—the mall is built in Holland Township, but several stores leave downtown for new locations at the mall.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

1988

To encourage shopping downtown, Holland’s snowmelt system is installed in a $2.1 million streetscape project. Private business owner Edgar D. Prince had the idea for the project and provided substantial funding. Over the next five years, the City of Holland invests $4 million in downtown projects and the private sector invests $65 million.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

1990

The Holland Downtown Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

1990-2006

Private sector investors restore buildings and engage in multiple public-private partnerships to benefit Downtown Holland, investing $235 million in the district.

Image courtesy of the Holland Museum.

Present

With the unique Street Performers Series, parades, sidewalk sales, and seasonal events, Downtown Holland is now a vibrant and thriving business district with a popular mix of local and national businesses.