New Northeast Elementary School (Aberdeen)

Estimated Completion: August 2027

Location: 928 Aberdeen St NE

Architect: Wightman

Construction Manager: Miller-Davis

Budget: $36 million

Funding Source: Reimagine GRPS with Us! Bond

Project Scope: New elementary school with a 450-scholar capacity, including all associated support spaces, site work, parking and bus loop, playground, and demolition of existing building.

Community Events

Community Information Meeting: April 15, 2025, 5 p.m., Aberdeen Academy

Groundbreaking: Oct. 8, 2025, 4:30 p.m., Aberdeen Academy

View presentation from April 2025 Community Information Meeting


Construction Blog

Posted 6/4/2026

Construction continues to make steady progress on the new elementary school on Grand Rapids' northeast side. Crews are finalizing steel installation, marking a major milestone in the building process. Work has also begun on the concrete floors. The new school is beginning to take shape, and exciting progress continues each week.

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Posted 3/27/2026

Construction on the new Northeast Elementary School continues to move forward with several key milestones completed. Foundations are now finished, and structural steel framing for the second floor is complete. Crews have also begun block work for the gymnasium. Looking ahead, second-floor precast planks are scheduled to be installed during Spring Break, marking another exciting step in the building’s progress.

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Posted 2/17/2026

Construction on our new elementary school has continued throughout the winter months.

Foundation work is now nearing completion, paving the way for masonry block installation to begin. At the same time, crews are advancing underground plumbing and electrical piping to ensure the building’s essential systems are in place.

Steel framing and precast panels are scheduled for delivery within the next couple of weeks, an exciting milestone that will soon make the structure more visible above ground and bring the vision for this new learning space to life.

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Posted 12/17/2025

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Posted 12/5/2025

Exciting progress is underway at the future Northeast Elementary School as work continues to transform our vision into reality. The building footprint is starting to emerge. Footing and foundation installation is underway, laying the structural groundwork for what will soon become welcoming classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and vibrant areas for exploration.

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Posted 10/31/2025

  • All permits have been approved
  • Construction Manager has mobilized on site
  • Temporary Entrance has been installed on Evelyn Street
  • Topsoil has been stripped off and stock piled
  • Building pad has been established
  • Footings to begin soon
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April 15, 2025

Stunning designs for new elementary school unveiled

GRPS, along with our partners Wightman and DLR Group, unveiled initial renderings for the new elementary school set to open in 2027 at the site of Aberdeen Academy.

School: GRPS Aberdeen Academy Palmer Elementary Topics: Reimagine GRPS with Us!
Print Stunning designs for new elementary school unveiled

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – GRPS, along with our partners Wightman and DLR Group, unveiled initial renderings for the new elementary school set to open in 2027 at the site of Aberdeen Academy.

Architects presented the renderings during a community meeting held at Aberdeen Academy. The meeting gave the GRPS community a chance to hear directly from designers and provide feedback.

View the renderings here 

The design is meant to embody that of a Redhawk, with two classroom wings surrounding the body of the school that houses the gymnasium and cafeteria.

The school’s Redhawk mascot is reflected throughout the interior with subtle nods to the theme of “taking flight.” Much like a murmuration of birds, where each bird contributes to a larger, harmonious movement, scholars will thrive in an environment of collaboration and shared growth.

The design features warm, light woods that foster a sense of stability and connection to the natural world, balanced by vibrant colors that inspire creativity and energy.

Collaborative spaces are designed to encourage open communication, teamwork, and flexible learning, allowing scholars to work together and grow in a supportive community.

The uplifting and engaging interior marks it as a place where scholars are given the tools, guidance, and community support they need to spread their wings and soar to their fullest potential - in the classroom and beyond.

The new school will be constructed behind the current Aberdeen Academy, allowing learning to continue uninterrupted. Once open in 2027, scholars and staff from the current Aberdeen and Palmer schools will come together in the new learning environment. After the new school opens, the current Aberdeen building will be demolished. 

"This new school will provide an innovative and inspiring learning environment for our scholars and staff,” said Alex Smart, GRPS Executive Director of Facilities and Operations. “Our architects have thoughtfully integrated input from our Teaching and Learning team, ensuring the space meets the needs of our students.”


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Email Communications@grps.org