48-Unit Affordable Housing Gets Approval at Stocking School
A new 48-unit affordable housing development is approved for the historic Stocking School site on Grand Rapids' west side.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a 48-unit affordable housing project called Stocking School Apartments. The development will renovate the former school into 24 units and add two new buildings, with apartments for households earning up to 70% of the area median income. It's a significant step for housing affordability in the West Grand Neighborhood.
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission unanimously approved a special land use request for a 48-unit affordable housing project at the former Stocking Elementary School. The development, named Stocking School Apartments, is led by Commonwealth Development Corporation of America. Located on 7th Street NW near Alpine Avenue NW in the West Grand Neighborhood, the site was sold by GRPS to Commonwealth for $1 million earlier in 2026.
The project involves renovating the existing school building into 24 apartments and constructing two new buildings with 14 and 10 units, respectively. The units are allocated as 12 for households up to 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 12 for up to 40% AMI, and 24 for up to 70% AMI. This addresses a critical need for income-qualified housing on Grand Rapids' west side, with the developer also behind local projects like Lexington School Apartments and Edge Flats on Seward.
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This is an initial approval with conditions, such as limited construction hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and modified entrances. The project is subject to future city processes and neighborhood feedback, as seen in changes to the name and parking plans based on community input. It represents a community win for affordable housing, though final details are still to come.
