Since November 2019, the grounds of the former seminary have been transformed from an abandoned, derelict property into a thriving campus that includes housing for low income older adults, a center for child and family services, assistance for young Spanish speaking immigrants, and the nearly completed construction of affordable brand new homes.

(Check THE SEMINARY IN 2019 on our website for a “before” look the Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, the faith-based organization that had purchased the property from the Grand Rapids Diocese.)

On September 18, 2024 Bill Yagerlener visited the campus on Burton Street and documented the changes in these photographs and videos. Tom Dalton provided several photos in October. [Click on a photo for a larger view. Click on a video to launch it.]

SAMARITAS AFFORDABLE LIVING

BETHANY YOUTH SERVICES
Bethany Christian Services continues to provide assistance to Spanish speaking adolescent refugees at 670 Burton Street, the location many alumni remember as St. Henry’s Hall. Its offices are next door in the former convent at 660 Burton Street. In 2021 the agency had hoped to erect a new four-story structure that would have joined the two buildings. This plan has not come to fruition.

2080 UNION HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
In 2023 Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids Community Land Trust broke ground on the construction of 42 new homes in the area that was once the seminary’s athletic fields. These homes are designed for those seeking homeownership without a hefty down payment. The project is in the final phase of construction. Details, including several 3D tours are at this Zillow website.

Tom Dalton, who lives nearby, has been tracking the construction with a series of photographs that have been appearing in our Alumni Update newsletter. In September, Bill Yagerlener captured some video of the site. (Due to the lack of significant rain in recent weeks, the landscaping is suffering a bit!)

The photos below were taken by Tom Dalton and show the change in the same location at the intersection of Winchell and Martin between 2021 and October, 2024.