History

The building was built in 1991 by a local developer with the intention of creating a mixed-use building that would become an urban community. The vision was that this new residential community would become a catalyst for the re-birth of downtown Grand Rapids. Originally called Eastbank Waterfront Waterfront Towers, the building included individually-owned condominiums, rental apartments, a major-chain hotel and assorted retail stores.

Shortly after completion, there was a problem with the exterior skin of the building. The owner of the hotel, and guarantor of the financing, Amway Corporation, stepped in, paid off the loans, and did a complete renovation. When completed, the new building was re-opened in 1997, with a new name, Plaza Towers.