Grand Rapids Public Schools has received seven proposals for what could become the next life of two shuttered elementary schools on the city's west and southeast sides.

The district will evaluate the submissions and present its recommendation to the Board of Education during the May 11 meeting. Both proposals are part of the district's Reimagine GRPS with us! initiative to find sustainable uses for underutilized district properties.

The two former school sites at stake are:

• Stocking Elementary, 863 Seventh St. NW on the west side, which closed after 100 years of service in June 2024
• Alexander Elementary, 1010 Alexander St. SE on the southeast side, which was slated for closure back in 2010

The closures came after Grand Rapids Public Schools voted to close 10 schools districtwide following the passage of a $305 million bond proposal in November 2023. The bond made possible a multi-year plan to restructure programs and renovate buildings as the district combats enrollment declines and addresses deferred maintenance costs.

Community Input Drives Proposal Criteria

In January, GRPS held four community engagement sessions to help determine the direction of future plans for the buildings, and received nearly 300 suggestions for future use through those sessions and online engagement.

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

Across both sites, community feedback emphasized the importance of:

• Health and wellness spaces
• Social services
• Workspaces
• Affordable housing
• Youth-focused programming

Stocking Elementary Proposals

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

GRPS shared three plans submitted for Stocking:

Commonwealth Development Corporation proposed affordable multifamily housing with 39 to 52 units. The submission includes Commonwealth Development Corporation of America as the submitting party, M+A studio as architect, Commonwealth Construction Corporation as general contractor, and Align Properties as property manager. The purchase price is $1,000,000 with earnest money of $15,000, and the closing date is June 1, 2027.

West Grand Neighborhood Organization proposed a Stocking 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. The proposing party is the West Grand Neighborhood Organization with Cella Building Company as development manager. The purchase price is $750,000 with earnest money of $25,000, with closing expected within 60 days following expiration of a 120-day due diligence period.

Anne Meyer, an individual respondent, proposed a wellness center with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and mental health services, along with a kids club respite center. The purchase price is $1,500,000, with an alternative discounted price of $500,000 and earnest money of $25,000. Closing is expected within 30 days following execution of the purchase agreement, after a 60-day inspection period.

Alexander Elementary Proposals

At Alexander Elementary, the greatest number of respondents, 30%, requested housing opportunities, with green space close behind.

GRPS shared four proposals submitted for Alexander:

LifeQuest Urban Outreach proposed a community-centered nonprofit campus. The submitting party is LifeQuest Urban Outreach, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Michigan Ecclesiastical Corporation. The purchase price is $1,000,000 with earnest money of $100,000, and closing is expected 30 days following expiration of a 60-day inspection period.

Cross Contracting LLC proposed mixed-use community development with adaptive reuse of the existing building for childcare, youth programming and nonprofit and community-serving tenants, along with eight residential units including six for-sale homes and two duplex rental structures. The submitting party is Todd Cross, owner and principal. The preferred option is a ground lease with annual payment of $60,000 from years 1 through 9, then $60,000 with 2% escalation annually from year 10 on, with a 60-year term and two 10-year renewal options. The good faith deposit is $50,000. The alternate option is a purchase price of $1,000,000 with earnest money of $50,000.

The Annex Group proposed affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing designed to maximize efficient use of the 3.13-acre site. The submitting party is The Annex Group LLC, with Hooker DeJong as architect and Fancy Real Estate as broker. The purchase price is $300,000 with earnest money of $10,000, and closing is expected within 90 days after MSHDA board approval of tax credit financing following a 120-day inspection period.

Q9 Development Company, operating as Alexander Landing, a joint venture entity, proposed a residential housing development. This would be a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and/or community-oriented uses, with emphasis on attainable and workforce housing. The purchase price is $100,000 with earnest money of $5,000, and closing is expected 30 to 60 days following expiration of a 90 to 180-day inspection and due diligence period.

All proposal details, including incentives, are available on the district website, giving neighbors a chance to explore the ideas before the district makes its recommendation.

The May 11 meetings will be held at the Rev. Lyman S. Park Administration Building, 1331 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE.