Two former Grand Rapids elementary schools could become affordable housing, community centers, or nonprofit campuses, according to development proposals submitted to the district.

The proposals come after Grand Rapids Public Schools closed Stocking Elementary and Alexander Elementary as part of a restructuring plan approved with a $305 million bond measure in November 2023.

Stocking Elementary, located at 863 Seventh Street NW on the city's west side, closed after 100 years in June 2024.

Alexander Elementary, at 1010 Alexander Street SE on the southeast side, was slated for closure in 2010 based on facility recommendations.

The district received nearly 300 suggestions from the community during four engagement sessions held in January 2026. Residents emphasized the importance of health and wellness spaces, social services, workspaces, affordable housing, and youth-focused programming.

Seven organizations submitted proposals through April 1 for repurposing both sites.

Proposals for Stocking Elementary include:

• Commonwealth Development Corporation proposed affordable multifamily housing with 39 to 52 units. The purchase price is $1,000,000 with earnest money of $15,000.

• West Grand Neighborhood Association proposed a community hub with community commons, education and workforce training, health and social services, a food pantry, teaching kitchen, and 17 to 25 affordable housing units. Purchase price is $750,000 with earnest money of $25,000.

• Anne Meyer proposed a wellness center with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health services, and a kids club respite center. Purchase price is $1,500,000 with alternative structures offered including lease-to-own options.

Proposals for Alexander Elementary include:

• LifeQuest Urban Outreach proposed a community-centered nonprofit campus. Purchase price is $1,000,000 with earnest money of $100,000.

• Cross Contracting LLC proposed mixed-use community development with adaptive reuse of the existing building for childcare, youth programming, nonprofit tenants, and eight residential units. Ground lease payment would be $60,000 annually with a 60-year term.

• The Annex Group proposed affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing. Purchase price is $300,000 with earnest money of $10,000.

• Q9 Development Company proposed a residential housing development with a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and community-oriented uses. Purchase price is $100,000 with earnest money of $5,000.

GRPS plans to present a recommendation to the Board of Education during its Ad Hoc Facilities Committee meeting and regular board meeting on Monday, May 11. Both meetings are scheduled at the Rev. Lyman S. Park Administration Building, 1331 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE.

The district will evaluate the proposals and present final recommendations at the upcoming board meeting.

"The district accepted redevelopment proposals through April 1, engaging Grand Rapids-based commercial real estate agency JLL to serve as the owner's representative," according to a district announcement.

The closures are an effort to combat enrollment declines and help GRPS avoid spending millions in deferred maintenance costs.