The Kent County Purchasing Division has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the building located at 82 Ionia NW. This property is located in downtown Grand Rapids and includes prime street frontage. The Kent County Board of Commissioners will consider options for the site later this year. The deadline for proposals is May 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.
The County completed a Space Needs Study in 2015, looking at all of County-owned and leased property. Some facilities were not being used to their fullest potential, according to the research, including 82 Ionia, which is about 65% occupied. Friend of the Court, Circuit Court Probation, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Community Housing and Development are currently housed in the building.
The County issued an RFP in 2015 and received two proposals for the site. The proposal from Ferris State University/Kendall College of Art and Design was considered, but the school was determined that their plans were not compatible with the building’s design.
The County purchased the building in 2005. It was originally constructed in 1932. Building frontage includes Fountain Street, Ionia Street and Division Avenue and covers approximately 1.34 acres. The development includes a two-story parking ramp with 129 parking spaces.
Those interested in submitting proposals for the 82 Ionia property can read the RFP at https://www.reverseauctionbid.org/RFPWorkbench/LoadPublicTableAction.action.
