Seven Proposals Submitted for Former Stocking and Alexander Elementary Schools

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools is evaluating seven developer and community proposals that could bring new life to two former elementary school sites in the city. The now-closed Stocking Elementary School and Alexander Elementary School buildings stand vacant, awaiting final decisions on their future use.

The district launched a two-month request for proposals period that closed on April 1, inviting developers and community organizations to submit ideas for the properties. Seven submissions were received in total, reflecting a mix of redevelopment visions ranging from community-focused programming to mixed-use housing possibilities.

The Alexander Site Draws Four Submissions

For the former Alexander Elementary School site, four proposals came in from the following developers and organizations:

• Cross Contracting LLC
• LifeQuest Urban Outreach
• Q9 Development Co.
• The Annex Group

The proposals reflect diverse approaches to the property, with some focusing on community programming while others envision housing and mixed-use developments.

Stocking Elementary Attracts Community Interest

The former Stocking Elementary School site drew proposals from community members and developers including:

• Anne Meyer
• Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC)
• West Grand Neighborhood Association (WGNO)

Like Alexander, the district has posted detailed information for each submission online, giving neighbors a chance to explore the ideas before the board makes its recommendation.

Community Input Shaped Evaluation Criteria

In January, GRPS hosted public meetings and opened online input forms to collect feedback from residents about possible uses for the sites. Neighbors shared thoughts on preserving the buildings, concerns about property redevelopment, and priorities for integrating these facilities into surrounding neighborhoods.

That community feedback helped guide the criteria the district will now use to evaluate each proposal. The district will weigh factors such as feasibility, community benefit, and alignment with the district's Reimagine GRPS with us! initiative — a comprehensive plan for deciding the future of vacant, closed, and underused district properties.

Next Steps

Grand Rapids Public Schools plans to present a recommendation to the Board of Education on Monday, May 11, during the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee meeting and Regular Board Meeting. Both meetings will be held at the Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration building at 1331 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE.

The final decision will determine whether these historic school buildings become housing, community centers, or other developments that serve the neighborhoods they've long anchored.

Sources

• Grand Rapids Public Schools receives multiple proposals for two former elementary school sites — https://fox17online.com/news/local-news/grps-receives-multiple-proposals-for-two-former-elementary-school-sites
• Developers pitch housing, community centers for 2 former GRPS schools — https://crainsgrandrapids.com/real-estate/commercial/cgr-grps-stocking-alexander-school-proposals-20260403