Northern Michigan University 2011 alumnus Derek Mohr has left a creative impression on the City of Grand Rapids. The founder of OneMohrTime Design Co. collaborated with city leaders to design the official logo for Grand Rapids' 175th anniversary, celebrated throughout 2025.
The bold, modern design pays homage to the city's industrial growth while incorporating retro-inspired colors tied to Grand Rapids' identity. One of Mohr's favorite discoveries during the design process was realizing that the letters “IDS” at the end of “RAPIDS” mirrored the shape of the number 175, allowing him to integrate the milestone directly into the city's name.
“This design can only work for this year, this city, and this anniversary,” said Mohr. “It's entirely unique. My hope is that residents feel a sense of ownership and pride in celebrating this special milestone together.”
Mohr also collaborated with city officials to incorporate symbolic wave elements that represent the rapids, as well as to honor the Anishinaabeg, the People of the Three Fires, who are the ancestral caretakers of the land on which Grand Rapids now stands.
“Grand Rapids has such a storied past and a bright future," said Assistant City Manager Doug Matthews, in praising Mohr's approach. "We're eager to see how the community proudly adopts Derek's design throughout the year.”
For Mohr, who grew up in Grand Rapids before pursuing his degree at NMU, the project represents both professional growth and personal pride.
“Good designs never happen in a silo,” he said. “This collaboration was an opportunity to combine history, community and creativity in a way that celebrates the city I call home.”
To find more of Mohr's design work, follow him on social media at @onemohrtimedesign or visit his website at onemohrti.me. Information about the Grand Rapids anniversary celebration can be found at ExperienceGR.com/175-participate.