
Progressive Companies Wins Two Michigan Planning Awards for Transformative Urban Projects

Grand Rapids, MI – July 21, 2025 – Progressive Companies is recognized for planning and design excellence by the Michigan Association of Planning for two transformative urban design projects. Award winning projects, Lyon Square and Oxford Trails, both reimagine underutilized spaces as vibrant, inclusive community destinations that will have a lasting impact on Grand Rapids.
Lyon Square, once a neglected and underutilized concrete plaza and service drive in downtown Grand Rapids, receives the Urban Design Award for its transformation into a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive public destination that supports tourism, community and connectivity. Alongside city partners, Progressive Companies led a collaborative, human-centered planning and design process to create a space that integrates terraced seating, riverfront stage, sustainable stormwater features, and improved pedestrian access, while accommodating complex underground infrastructure. The completed Lyon Square has had a transformative impact on the downtown experience.
“Lyon Square exemplifies innovative urban design through its integration of year-round useability, universal accessibility, sustainable landscaping, and dynamic social and cultural activation supported by distinct site amenities,” said Ryan Johnson, Landscape Architecture Discipline Leader at Progressive Companies. “The impacts it will have on downtown Grand Rapids include boosting year-round activity, fostering civic pride, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the city’s identity as an inclusive and vibrant riverfront destination.”
Oxford Trails is awarded the Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award for planning practices that champion equity through sustained advocacy and inclusive action—an approach central to the Oxford Trails project. Located in a historically Black Grand Rapids neighborhood, Oxford Trails addresses decades of disinvestment through trauma-informed engagement and culturally responsive design. Alongside Progressive Companies’ architects and community planners, residents helped to shape a trail that fosters safe neighborhood connections, cultural pride, and community healing. Beyond physical improvements, Oxford Trails is a catalyst for social change and investment equity.
“True design begins with listening. When we co-create with underserved communities, design becomes a tool not just for innovation, but for equity, resilience, and lasting social change. What began as a trail project became a vibrant linear park with programming driven by community voices,” said Nolan Miller, Senior Landscape Architect & Urban Designer at Progressive Companies.
These two award-winning projects reflect Progressive Companies’ commitment to inclusive design that supports long-term community well-being and urban resilience. Alongside community partners, Progressive Companies is proud to accept both awards in recognition of the progress and vision each space represents.