The former Kent Community Hospital building in Grand Rapids, a significant site for Kent County's potential administrative relocation.
Kent County is considering relocating its administrative services to a former hospital building on Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids. The option involves either renovating the existing structure or constructing a new facility. With escalating costs in mind, officials are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each choice as they prepare to make a final decision by June. The hospital, which once served as Kent Community Hospital, has 162,000 square feet of space but will require extensive renovations. This move is seen as a strategy to enhance functionality and accessibility for county services.
In a big shake-up for Kent County, there’s serious talk about relocating administrative services to a former hospital building on Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids. This six-story structure, known in its heyday as the Kent Community Hospital, is catching the attention of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, who took a close look at the site on February 27.
The county is contemplating two main options: either renovating the old hospital or building a fresh administrative building on the same campus. The key player in this decision is Tim Bradshaw, the county’s facilities director, who highlighted that revamping the existing hospital could be a cost-effective solution. With escalating costs for new buildings, repurposing the hospital might be the smarter move.
By June, a final decision will be made on whether to go for the renovation or the construction of a new building. Both choices are under consideration and are receiving careful evaluation. Crunching the numbers, the cost to renovate the hospital is estimated to fall between $93 million and $108 million. On the flip side, constructing a new facility is expected to cost between $83 million and $97 million.
The hospital in question boasts a vast 162,000 square feet of space but will require extensive renovation if it is to serve its new purpose. Currently, Kent County’s administrative services are housed in a three-story building downtown, which has faced a share of challenges since its construction in the 1960s. Residents have cited issues with access, inadequate parking, and a confusing layout as ongoing concerns.
Initially, Kent County had plans for a new building approximately 130,000 square feet in size. However, with the potential to breathe new life into the old hospital, the county is now weighing this renovation against the new build, basing considerations on the layout and design elements of the hospital.
To provide the best insight into costs and design options, the county has brought in Progressive Companies, a firm specializing in detailed estimates and design work. With the previous tenant, Corewell Health, having vacated the building in fall 2023, this creates an opportunity for the county to utilize the space.
Once the dust settles and the plan is set in motion, up to 187 staff members are expected to make the switch to the new administrative building. This relocation will consolidate various county services, including the county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and equalization offices, all under one roof. The employees currently based at 300 Monroe Ave. will also make the move once renovations are complete.
Once everyone has moved out and renovations at 300 Monroe Ave. are finalized, Kent County intends to place its current building at 82 Ionia Avenue up for sale. The renovation or construction is anticipated to take around 20 to 24 months from the chosen option’s start date.
Change is in the air for Kent County, as officials look to improve accessibility and functionality for residents. With a mix of nostalgia and hope, the county’s decision for this historic building could pave the way for a more efficient, user-friendly experience for all. Stay tuned as Kent County works toward shaping its future!
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