Vacant School Sites Could Become Mixed-Use Developments in Grand Rapids' West Side

By Grand Rapids Press Wire

Grand Rapids Public Schools has received seven proposals for what to do with two former elementary school sites, ranging from affordable housing developments to community centers with workforce training programs.

The vacant properties include the former Alexander Elementary School and Stocking Elementary School, both of which closed in 2024 as part of a district restructuring plan. Now the district is evaluating how best to repurpose these sites under its Reimagine GRPS with Us! initiative.

Multiple Proposals for Alexander Site

Four organizations submitted proposals for the Alexander site:

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

According to the proposals, the submissions reflect a mix of redevelopment visions ranging from community-focused programming to housing and mixed-use possibilities.

Stocking Proposals Focus on Community Hub

The former Stocking Elementary School drew interest from community members and developers. The proposals include:

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

The West Grand Neighborhood Association proposal envisions a community hub with common areas, educational workforce training, health services, food pantry, kitchen and housing units. They also planned a wellness center for physical and occupational therapy, speech and mental health services plus a kids' club.

The Commonwealth Development Corporation proposal plans use as affordable multi-family housing.

Community Engagement Shaped Evaluation Criteria

Grand Rapids Public Schools hosted public meetings and opened online input forms in January 2026 to collect feedback from neighbors. The input included 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. You can view a summary of proposals by clicking on links on the district website.

Decision Timeline

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

Both meetings will be held at the Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration Building at 1331 Martin Luther King Jr. Street Southeast in Grand Rapids.

Part of Larger Facilities Planning

The request for proposals is part of the district's Reimagine GRPS with Us! initiative, a comprehensive effort guiding the district's long-term planning. As part of this effort, Grand Rapids Public Schools developed a framework for reviewing and repurposing vacant, closed, and underutilized facilities.

The framework outlines district priorities, community engagement expectations, and criteria for long-range decision-making regarding GRPS facilities and properties.

Sources:

• Grand Rapids Public Schools official website: https://grps.org/pub/stories/view/grps-receives-proposals-for-former-alexander-and-stocking-elementary-sites
• Fox 17 News: https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grps-receives-multiple-proposals-for-two-former-elementary-school-sites
• WGVU News: https://www.wgvunews.org/news/2026-04-06/grand-rapids-public-schools-considering-proposals-for-two-vacant-elementary-schools
• Crain's Grand Rapids Business: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/real-estate/commercial/cgr-grps-stocking-alexander-school-proposals-20260403/