Monroe Mall During Construction

Jack Ropoleski - 1979

This view looks southeast from Monroe Ave., across the area that will become Rosa Parks Circle, home to Maya Lin's design "Ecliptic", adjacent to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Savoy Theater, at center right of the photo was vacant by 1980; a millinery shop in the three story building next to the the theater was also closed; the Mutual Home Federal Savings & Loan at center left was still listed in 1980 city directory. These buildings were located on a section of Market Ave. that no longer exists. Three brick commercial or industrial buildings are also visible; the one on the far right appears to be the Helmer Building also on Market Ave. 

The facade of the Savings & Loan building was used in 2010 for the Chase Bank in E. Grand Rapids.