The project will be funded through the County’s Strategic Capital Fund, established in 2015 to set aside money for future capital needs and reduce borrowing for large capital projects. Additional budget amendments related to the purchase and renovation will be brought to the Board for consideration over the next month.
The 138,000-square-foot building will provide greater capacity for future growth and 154 additional parking spaces for County staff and tenants.
As part of its evaluation of long-term options for downtown court operations, the County worked with a broker to identify facilities near the courthouse. That process led to 300 Ottawa, located near the courthouse.
“The proximity of 300 Ottawa to the courthouse presents excellent long-term value for the County,” said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. “This investment will help us address current space needs and future growth while keeping related services close together.”
The County previously considered relocating court operations to 300 Monroe Ave. NW. At approximately 66,000 square feet, that property offered limited space for current staff and insufficient capacity for future growth.
Approximately 250 staff members will relocate from 82 Ionia Ave. NW, including employees from the Prosecutor’s Office, Friend of the Court, Circuit Court Probation, and Network180.
Renovations are expected to begin in approximately six months and take about six months to complete, with a goal of relocating staff by the end of 2027.
The relocation will allow the County to move forward with its longstanding plan to sell 82 Ionia Ave. NW through a competitive bidding process that invites proposals for creative uses of the property that benefit the community.
By May 2027, most existing tenants will relocate or their leases will end, leaving two leases in place and making approximately 6.5 of the building’s eight above-ground floors available for County use.
“This is about planning ahead and making thoughtful use of County resources,” Vanderberg said. “We’re creating room for services our residents rely on while opening the door to new possibilities for 82 Ionia.”
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