Grand Rapids Condemns Historic Keeler Building

News Summary

The city of Grand Rapids has officially condemned the historic Keeler Building, a downtown landmark that has faced severe deterioration after nearly 20 years of vacancy. Following an anonymous complaint, inspections revealed significant code violations and blight concerns. The building’s owner has been given 60 days to address these issues, or face penalties. Once home to notable tenants, the Keeler Building’s future remains uncertain despite potential redevelopment plans.

Grand Rapids Takes Action on the Historic Keeler Building

In a significant move earlier this month, the city of Grand Rapids has officially condemned the historic Keeler Building, a seven-story structure that has been a part of the downtown landscape for over a century. Located at 56 N Division Ave, this iconic building dates back to 1914 and has seen better days.

The Backstory

The chain of events leading to the condemnation began with an anonymous complaint submitted online in February 2023. The complaint highlighted concerns about the building’s exterior condition, which had been a topic of local concern for many years. Following the submission, a thorough inspection was conducted, revealing a lot more than just a few minor issues.

For almost 20 years, the Keeler Building has mostly been vacant, creating a sense of urgency around its deteriorating state. The current owner, Arath III Inc., run by James Azzar, received a “Notice of Monitoring Vacant Building” after the initial inspection. This notice isn’t just a friendly reminder but serves as a serious warning about the building’s condition. The owner was granted a 21-day window to respond to the complaints, but unfortunately, there was no response within the required time frame.

Inspection Revelations

A follow-up inspection, conducted on March 12, 2023, unearthed a host of code violations that simply cannot be overlooked:

• Cracked and damaged tiles that pose safety risks
• Damaged brickwork that could lead to structural issues
• Broken windows that were not properly boarded up, allowing the elements to wreak havoc inside
• Graffiti plastered on the exterior, giving the building a neglected look

Adding to the dire situation, the building has not had running water service for at least a decade, further classifying it under the City of Grand Rapids’ “Blight” criteria.

Next Steps for the Owner

In light of these findings, a new case was opened against the property owner. On March 13, the “Notice of Monitoring Vacant Building” was posted on the building itself, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The owner now has 60 days to rectify these violations or demonstrate some progress in addressing them. Failing to do so will trigger fees or fines, and city officials plan to monitor the situation every 60 days thereafter.

A Look at the Building’s History

The Keeler Building has a storied past, having housed various tenants over the years, such as Michigan Bell Telephone Co., Western Union, and even WLAV radio station. Back in 2016, there were attempts to sell the building, yet the property remained unsold, adding to its saga of misfortune. Sadly, the structure has also been entangled in several civil lawsuits regarding its worsening condition.

Hope on the Horizon?

Over the years, there have been multiple proposed redevelopment plans, though none have borne fruit as of yet. The recent ambitions from Hudsonville-based Keeler Flats LLC have added a glimmer of hope for the building’s future. Meanwhile, James Azzar, the owner, manages other properties and businesses, including a meat processing equipment manufacturer and an animal sanctuary, so it remains uncertain how devoted he can be to revitalizing the Keeler Building.

As the situation unfolds, the future of this historic structure hangs in the balance. For now, the city’s efforts to address the blight serve as a wake-up call for revitalizing not only the Keeler Building but potentially sparking new energy in the surrounding area.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WOOD TV: Keeler Building Condemned
• FOX 17: City of Grand Rapids Condemns Keeler Building
• WZZM 13: Keeler Building Condemned
• MLive: Keeler Building Code Violations
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: City Condemns Keeler Building
• Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Google Search: Keeler Building Grand Rapids
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
• Google Scholar: Keeler Building Grand Rapids
• Google News: Keeler Building Grand Rapids