Congratulations to Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) on the ribbon cuttings of Houseman Field and Southeast Career Pathways’ new home at the Sigsbee building — two major milestones in the district’s capital improvement journey.
GRPS continues to invest in its scholars and community through transformative facility upgrades. This fall, the district celebrated the renovation of two key sites: Houseman Field and the Sigsbee building, each representing a renewed commitment to inclusive education, student wellness, and community engagement.
Houseman Field: A century of athletic legacy reimagined
Located between Houseman and Diamond Avenues in Grand Rapids, Mich., Houseman Field has served the community for more than a century. Originally donated to GRPS in 1907 by Hattie Houseman Amberg in honor of her father, Julius Houseman, a former mayor and U.S. representative, the stadium has long been a symbol of civic pride and a gathering place for generations of scholars, families, and neighbors.
Following a $5.1 million renovation, the stadium now features upgraded turf, a new track, expanded parking, improved lighting, enhanced locker rooms, restored masonry, and a new roof for the press box. For the first time, the turf honors the Houseman family with its name displayed in both end zones, alongside logos for Ottawa Hills and Union High Schools.
The project was completed on time and within budget, with lighting improvements designed to reduce light pollution for nearby residents. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, GRPS leaders emphasized the field’s legacy as a place where young athletes have competed for over a century and where graduation ceremonies continue to unite the community.
Sigsbee building: A new home for Southeast Career Pathways
Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, the Sigsbee building has long served the community as a hub for education. Originally constructed in 1923, the building has undergone multiple transformations over the decades. Its latest renovation, a $7 million investment, marks a new chapter in GRPS’s commitment to inclusive, career-focused education.
The newly reopened facility now houses Southeast Career Pathways, an alternative high school designed to support scholars facing challenges in traditional learning environments. The renovation includes updated classrooms with enhanced natural lighting from enlarged windows, air conditioning, collaborative spaces, and modern amenities tailored to the needs of scholars pursuing career and technical education.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby emphasized the district’s dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all learners. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated not only the physical transformation of the building but also the renewed mission to empower scholars through personalized learning and career readiness.
As the owner’s representative for GRPS’s capital improvement plan, Plante Moran Realpoint is proud to support the district in overseeing the scope, budget, and schedule of the capital improvement projects funded by a $305 million bond program, which overwhelmingly passed in late 2023. From athletic fields to career-focused learning environments, the bond work spans multiple buildings across the district. In addition to Houseman Field and the Sigsbee building, several other facilities received upgrades this summer as part of the bond, with more improvements already underway.
We’re honored to help GRPS deliver on its vision for student success and community impact. Congratulations to GRPS on reaching these significant milestones!
Photos courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
