Community Input Drives Seven Plans for Two Former Schools

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After nearly 300 community members submitted suggestions for how to repurpose two shuttered elementary schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools will now review seven formal proposals that could transform the sites into community centers, affordable housing, or wellness facilities.

The district will present final recommendations at a May board meeting, with the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11 at the Rev. Lyman S. Park Administration Building.

Stocking Elementary: Community Hub and Housing Options Lead

Stocking Elementary on the west side closed its doors after 100 years of service in June 2024. The district held four community engagement sessions in January that received hundreds of suggestions for future use of the 863 Seventh St. NW site.

At Stocking, the leading suggestion was for a community hub or center, with just under 40% of respondents calling for a shared space. Others requested housing on the site, green space, or outdoor amenities.

Three proposals were submitted for Stocking Elementary:

Commonwealth Development Corporation proposed converting the building into affordable multifamily housing with 39 to 52 units. The company submitted a $1 million purchase offer with $15,000 earnest money and aims to close by June 1, 2027. The proposal includes M+A studio as architect and Commonwealth Construction Corporation as general contractor.

West Grand Neighborhood Organization submitted a plan for a Stocking community hub that would include community commons, education and workforce training spaces, health and social services, a food pantry, teaching kitchen, and 17–25 affordable housing units. The organization offered $750,000 for the site with a 60-day closing timeline following due diligence.

Anne Meyer, an individual respondent, proposed creating a wellness center offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health services, and a kids club respite center. The proposal includes a $1.5 million purchase price with an alternative seller-financed option at $500,000.

Alexander Elementary: Housing and Nonprofit Campus Plans

Alexander Elementary on the southeast side was slated for closure in 2010 based on facility recommendations. The 1010 Alexander St. SE site has now received four redevelopment proposals.

Thirty percent of community respondents requested housing opportunities at Alexander, with green space close behind as the second most popular suggestion.

LifeQuest Urban Outreach proposed creating a community-centered nonprofit campus on the site. The Michigan-based 501(c)(3) organization offered $1 million with $100,000 earnest money and aims to close within 30 days following a 60-day inspection period.

Cross Contracting LLC submitted a mixed-use development plan that could include adaptive reuse of the building for childcare, youth programming, nonprofit tenants, and eight residential units (six for-sale homes and two duplex rentals). The company offered a ground lease arrangement with $60,000 annual payments or a $1 million purchase option.

The Annex Group proposed affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing designed to maximize efficient use of the 3.13-acre site. The developer submitted a $300,000 purchase offer with $10,000 earnest money.

Q9 Development Company, operating as Alexander Landing, submitted a residential housing development plan featuring a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and community-oriented uses with emphasis on attainable and workforce housing. The proposal includes a $100,000 purchase price.

Part of Broader Multi-Year Bond Plan

GRPS' effort to repurpose both buildings is part of a multi-year plan made possible with the passage of a $305 million bond proposal in November 2023. Following the bond's approval, the GRPS Board of Education voted to close 10 schools based on age, location, enrollment levels, capacity, and proximity to other area schools.

The closures are an effort to combat enrollment declines and help GRPS avoid spending millions in deferred maintenance costs. The district engaged Grand Rapids-based commercial real estate agency JLL to serve as owner's representative and accepted redevelopment proposals through April 1.

What Community Members Want

Across both sites, community feedback emphasized the importance of health and wellness spaces, social services, workspaces, affordable housing, and youth-focused programming, according to the district.

The four community engagement sessions in January helped determine the direction of future plans for the buildings, and the district received nearly 300 suggestions for future use through those sessions and online engagement.