Firm plans to redevelop school into urban apartments

Firm plans to redevelop school into urban apartments

A developer is planning to convert a former elementary school into urban affordable apartments for seniors.

The Grand Rapids Planning Commission recently announced that a public hearing will be held on March 12, at 1120 Monroe Ave. NW, when it will discuss plans by Northbrook, Ill.-based Brinshore Development to transform the former Lexington Elementary School, at 45 Lexington Ave. NW.

The historic three-story building, which is about 30,554 square feet, is owned by the National Heritage Academies through Charter Development Company.

The school building would house 23 apartments and a new addition would contain an additional 16 apartments, the commission notice reads.

Greg Vanderberg, chair of the housing committee for John Ball Area Neighbors, said Brinshore Development has already met with the neighborhood association and presented its plan, generally receiving a favorable response.

“It looks like finally affordable housing on the west side,” Vanderberg said. “That’s an encouraging thing we felt about it. Most everything else has been market rate.”

A representative of Brinshore Development declined to comment on the project today.