Two Former Schools Could Find New Purpose as Grand Rapids Public Schools Evaluates Redevelopment Plans

By Grand Rapids Press Wire

Two former school buildings in Grand Rapids could soon have new life as the district considers multiple redevelopment proposals for the vacant Alexander Elementary School and Stocking Elementary School sites.

This marks the next step in Grand Rapids Public Schools' Reimagine GRPS with us! initiative — a comprehensive plan for deciding the future of vacant, closed, and underused district properties.

The two-month request for proposals period closed on April 1, with developers and community organizations submitting their visions for repurposing these historic buildings.

Alexander Elementary Draws Four Submissions

The former Alexander Elementary School site received four proposals from various developers and organizations:

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

These submissions reflect a mix of redevelopment visions — ranging from community-focused programming to housing and mixed-use possibilities. The district has posted all proposal details online, giving neighbors a chance to explore the ideas before making recommendations.

Stocking Elementary Also Generates Interest

The former Stocking Elementary School also drew significant interest from the community and developers. The proposals submitted include:

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

Like Alexander, the Stocking proposals detail various approaches to revitalizing the site, with community members and organizations looking for ways to integrate the property into surrounding neighborhoods.

Public Input Shaped Evaluation Criteria

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

That feedback helped guide the criteria the district will now use to evaluate each proposal, ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Next Steps

GRPS plans to present a recommendation on the proposals to the Board of Education on Monday, May 11, during the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee meeting and Regular Board Meeting.

Both sessions will be held at the Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration building at 1331 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE in Grand Rapids.

The district is committed to finding solutions that benefit the community while making practical use of these valuable properties.