West Grand Submits Proposal to Transform Stocking Elementary into a Community Hub
Click the image to view WGNO’s Submission to GRPS
On April 1, 2026, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO), in partnership with Cella Building Company, submitted its response to Grand Rapids Public Schools’ (GRPS) Request for Proposals (RFP) for the future of the former Stocking Elementary School.
This submission builds on community input gathered earlier this year, including GRPS-led sessions in January and ongoing engagement efforts led by WGNO, which consistently highlighted the need for a community-centered, multi-use space at the Stocking site.
This milestone reflects more than a year of community-driven work to reimagine the site as the Stocking Community Hub—a place designed to meet real neighborhood needs while preserving a historic community asset.
A Community-Led Vision for Stocking
The proposal outlines a plan to transform the former school into a mixed-use community hub that includes:
Community gathering spaces
Workforce development and education programs
Health and wellness services
Food access and community kitchen programming
Affordable housing (20–30 units)
This vision reflects direct resident input and aligns with documented neighborhood needs such as food access, workforce training, mental health support, and safe community spaces.
At its core, the goal is simple: create a place where neighbors can learn, connect, access resources, and build stability—together.
Built on Partnerships and Real Momentum
This proposal is supported by a strong network of partners and early commitments.
WGNO will lead long-term ownership and operations, with Cella Building Company providing experienced development and construction leadership.
Program partners contribute to:
Workforce development
Youth programming
Food systems and community gardening
Health and social services
Financial momentum is already underway, including a lender letter indicating willingness to support up to $1 million in acquisition financing.
Official Acknowledgment from GRPS
On April 2, 2026, GRPS announced it had received proposals for both the former Stocking and Alexander Elementary sites.
This begins the formal review process, where proposals will be evaluated based on community impact, feasibility, and alignment with district priorities.
Why This Matters
Stocking Elementary has long been a landmark on the West Side. While the building has been unused, the community’s vision for it has continued to grow.
The Stocking Community Hub is designed to:
Address real, documented community needs
Strengthen neighborhood stability and opportunity
Preserve a historic building through adaptive reuse
Deliver long-term value without financial risk to GRPS
What Happens Next
GRPS is expected to:
Review submitted proposals
Shortlist qualified teams
Conduct interviews (if needed)
Select a development partner
WGNO remains committed to transparency and continued community engagement throughout this process.
Stay Involved
This submission is not the end—it’s the next step.
Over the past year, residents, partners, and supporters have helped shape a vision rooted in community voice, collaboration, and long-term impact. That momentum continues as the proposal moves through review.
Show Your Support for the Stocking Community Hub
Community support matters in this decision. Here’s how you can help:
Sign the petition to show strong neighborhood backing
Attend upcoming GRPS Board meetings and show your support
Share this post to amplify community voice
Contact local decision-makers and advocate for the project
Consider making a donation to help move the project forward
👉 Stay updated and take action:
Visit: https://westgrand.org/stocking-hub
Together, we can help bring the Stocking Community Hub to life.