The 2013 ITG conference will utilize some of the most acoustically and architectural magnificent spaces in Grand Rapids. All of the performances venues are located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the connected Devos Place, or just a few blocks from the hotel and convention center. We hope that you will enjoy not only the music being made in these venues, but also enjoy the architectural details of the space.
Pantlind Ballroom
Located in the beautiful Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the Pantlind Ballroom has dazzled guests with its eye-catching gold-leaf ceiling, crystal chandelier, and intricately detailed fixtures for nearly a century. You’ll be charmed by the old-world elegance of this European-styled room, which has been host to countless notable visitors and Presidents.
Imperial Ballroom
One of the most unique hotel ballrooms in Grand Rapids, and even the country, the Imperial Ballroom showcases the style and grandeur of a bygone era. The former bank was renovated to create a stunning two-tiered room that features a mezzanine, grand staircase, eight massive columns and an ornate wood ceiling.
Steelcase Ballroom
Located in one of Michigan’s premier convention centers, Devos Place, the Steelcase Ballroom will host some of the conference’s most sought after performers. Nestled along the bank of the Grand River, the Steelcase Ballroom and the Secchia Lobby overlook the river and offers some of the most picturesque views of the Grand River.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
St. Mark's Episcopal Church will serve as the performance venue for performances by Brandon and Rich Ridenour (June 12) and Stephen Burns (June 13). The original church was a rectangle that included the nave and sanctuary and choir/organ gallery. The church has undergone many additions and revisions including towers, transepts, and the installation of a new pipe organ. St. Mark's architectural style is Gothic Revival in a design that reflects Old Trinity Church in New York City. St. Mark's has an outstanding legacy regarding the growth of Grand Rapids, including over a dozen mayors being members of the church. Other milestones include the creation of St. Mark's Home and Hospital, now known as Butterworth-Spectrum Hospital, and the founding of St. Mark's College, the beginnings of higher education in our region.
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church will serve as the venue for the always popular Festival of Trumpets Concert (June 15). The First Methodist Church of Grand Rapids was organized in 1835 by pioneers who came to the Grand Valley by covered wagon.
The first church building was built in 1840 of hand hewn timbers cut from the nearby forest. It was a crude meeting house with wooden benches. In 1867 it was replaced by a new building. Since that time, two other structures have been built to house the congregation of the church.
The present church building, completed in 1916, is a modified fourteenth century Tudor Gothic style. The plans were drawn by Robinson and Campau, assisted on the interior designing by William Holt. The contractors were John McNabb and Son.
The square tower rises 115 ft. from the first floor and is 40 feet square on the base (roof line) The predominant material for the building is limestone.
Page last modified March 13, 2013
