GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The city of Grand Rapids has condemned the Keeler Building, a prominent structure located at 56 Division Avenue, due to significant safety and maintenance violations. The more than 167,700-square-foot building, situated between Fountain and Fulton streets, now bears a sign stating it has been “Condemned as unfit for human habitation.”
A recent inspection revealed several concerning issues with the building’s condition. News 8 reporters observed parts of the facade crumbling, along with graffiti on windows and doors. Looking through a ground-floor window, a large, vacant room in disrepair was visible. These findings prompted the city to take swift action after an anonymous online complaint was filed on February 12.
The complaint, which raised concerns about the building’s exterior, was immediately addressed by the city. Grand Rapids officials notified the building’s owner, Arath III Inc., on the same day, giving them 21 days to respond, request an inspection, or raise any questions regarding the matter. However, city officials reported that the owner failed to reply within that period.
Following the lack of response, a city inspection of the building’s exterior took place on March 12, uncovering multiple violations. These included cracked and damaged tiles, missing bricks, improperly boarded-up broken windows, and persistent graffiti. Furthermore, the building has reportedly been without water service for at least ten years, compounding the concerns about its overall condition.
The city of Grand Rapids classified these issues under its “blight” criteria, prompting the opening of a formal blight case. A notice outlining the violations was issued to the property owner on March 12 and was also posted on the building the following day.
Under city regulations, the property owner now has 60 days to either remedy the violations or demonstrate significant progress in addressing the issues. If the owner complies within the 60-day window, the case will be closed. If substantial progress is made but not completed within the period, the city will continue to monitor the situation with follow-up checks every 60 days. Should the violations persist after the 60-day deadline, additional fees may be assessed, with further monitoring and potential fines for non-compliance.
As of now, no fines have been imposed, and the situation remains under review. The outcome of this case will likely influence how similar properties are handled in the future.
The Keeler Building, which has stood for years as part of Grand Rapids’ downtown landscape, now faces a critical crossroads in its future. Whether the structure will be restored or further deterioration takes place remains to be seen.
