Reimagine Former School Sites
Grand Rapids Public Schools is working to find new uses for our former school sites that will add value to our community. We invite you to Reimagine with us!
The Board of Education has directed the district to start this process by examining the future of former Alexander Elementary School and former Stocking Elementary School.
Alexander Elementary School
Site Location: 1010 Alexander St. SE
School closed: 2010
Building size: 15,570 square feet
Lot size: 3.13 acres
Community Meetings: Held on January 14, 2026.
Stocking Elementary School
Site Location: 863 7th St. NW
School closed: 2024
Building size: 36,949 square feet
Lot size: 3.59 acres
Community Meetings: Held on January 15, 2026.
Timeline for Alexander and Stocking:
- Week of January 26: Request for Proposals Distributed
- February 4: Site Tours
- February 18: Deadline for Submittal of Respondent Questions
- March 4: Answers to Respondent Questions Due
- April 1: Proposal Submittal Date
- Before April 27: Shortlist Respondents with GRPS Ad Hoc Facilities Committee
- After April 27: Respondent Interviews (if needed)
- May 1: Property Under Contract
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – In 2022, Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) launched the Reimagine GRPS with Us! plan, a comprehensive initiative guiding the district’s long-term planning. As part of this effort, GRPS 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.
In 2023, voters approved a $305 million bond to improve school facilities, enhance learning environments, and address excess building capacity across the district. Following the bond’s approval, the GRPS Board of Education voted to close 10 schools as part of the district’s long-term planning efforts, opening new opportunities for property reuse in the community. As part of this plan, the Board has decided to first move forward with Stocking Elementary and Alexander Elementary schools. Community meetings for neighbors and community stakeholders to provide feedback on potential future use opportunities are scheduled as follows:
- Alexander Elementary: Wednesday, January 14 at noon and 6 p.m. at the Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration Building (1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids).
- Stocking Elementary: Thursday, January 15 at noon and 6 p.m. at the Stocking Elementary Gymnasium (863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids).
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, along with interpretation services.
These meetings mark the beginning of GRPS’s process to explore the potential disposition of the closed Stocking Elementary and Alexander Elementary schools. Here is the anticipated timeline:
- Week of January 26: Request for Proposals Distributed
- February 4: Site Tours
- February 18: Deadline for Submittal of Respondent Questions
- March 4: Answers to Respondent Questions Due
- April 1: Proposal Submittal Date
- Before April 27: Shortlist Respondents with GRPS Ad Hoc Facilities Committee
- After April 27: Respondent Interviews (if needed)
- May 1: Property Under Contract
