Grand Rapids — The Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to demolish the former Kensington school building, 1031 Kensington Ave. SW, at the May 15 meeting.
Superintendent Leadriane Roby explained the board would not be determining the specifics of the property’s future as a green space right now, at the meeting in the Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe.
“This demolition doesn’t mean it’s the final step,” Roby said. “There are several layers in this process, so other than leveling the building, the next steps for the property have yet to be determined.”
Roby added, “As part of our Facilities Master Plan discussion, we will have other conversations with the community about what that space will potentially become.”
The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee had previously recommended to the board to reject the three proposals received for the Kensington building and to move forward with demolition and restoration of the green space. The onetime Kensington Elementary School and former Adelante High School has been vacant since 2004.
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