Former vacant ISD offices may be razed to make room for more housing

The Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority (GREDA) met last Thursday and discussed the prospect of redeveloping the site of the former ISD 318 Administration offices in Northwest Grand Rapids.

The vacant building is located at 820 NW 1st Avenue and has been empty since the district moved their administrative offices to the former Southwest Elementary School location.

The city is in the process of purchasing the building from the district for $87,000, paid with the remaining balance of Covid-19 funds, and would intend to have GREDA and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) lead the redevelopment effort to potentially raze the structure and subdivide the footprint into single-family units.

The 31,000 square foot building is surrounded by residential units on all sides and is zoned for public use, and has been difficult to sell as is. At the same time, the city has been making a strong effort to bring additional affordable housing to the area.

Whether the build-out becomes affordable housing, senior housing, or something else remains to be seen. Options for the lots will likely be based on need, but are intended to be owner-occupied and affordable, according to Director of City Development Rob Mattei.

The total project cost is projected to be $828,000 and would be split amongst several funding sources.