City to celebrate grand opening of new Public Service Center
Published on December 01, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to celebrate the grand opening of its new Public Service Center, a modern, consolidated operations hub that marks a major milestone in the City’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
The event will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 1500 Scribner Ave. NW, with remarks from city officials beginning at 2:10 p.m., followed by the ribbon cutting and light refreshments.
The $98.2 million project consolidates the City’s Public Works, Fleet and Facilities, and Parks and Recreation operations into a single, 323,290-square-foot campus designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and service delivery. The new facility replaces the former 201 Market Ave. SW site and brings together more than 190 staff across 17 City divisions.
“This is more than a building—it’s a strategic investment in how we serve our community,” said Mayor David LaGrand. “The Public Service Center reflects our commitment to sustainability, equity and operational excellence. It provides a healthier, more collaborative environment for our employees and includes public meeting spaces that make it easier for residents to engage with City services. This facility is designed to support both the people who work here and the people we serve.”
City Manager Mark Washington said relocating to the new Public Service Center also supports the City’s broader vision for riverfront redevelopment while modernizing essential operations.
“Relocating our public works, recreation and other services from 201 Market was a strategic move that unlocked the potential of a prime riverfront site long envisioned for public use and redevelopment,” said Washington. “That location will soon be home to the Acrisure Amphitheater and an east riverfront park – two projects that are far more aligned with our community’s vision for the riverfront. At the same time, this new Public Service Center replaces century-old facilities with a modern campus that allows us to better protect our $26.3 million vehicle inventory and extend the life of critical equipment.”
Facility Features and Community Impact
The Public Service Center includes:
- Sustainability upgrades: 36 EV charging stations, 27 full EVs, 90 hybrids, natural lighting and advanced HVAC and lighting systems.
- Employee amenities: Fitness center, wellness rooms, café, gender-inclusive restrooms and riverfront green space.
- Fleet and operations: 7,700-annual services, 13,000 vehicle washes annually and a $26.3 million vehicle inventory.
- Department of Parks and Recreation offices, including: 4,009 square foot Riverside Studio with athletic hardwood floors and a 1,340 square foot Gerald R. Ford Studio for fitness and recreation classes.
The project also prioritized equity and inclusion, with 12.4% of total workforce hours completed by minority workers and 8.1% by micro-local workers.
RIBBON CUTTING DETAILS:
WHAT: Public Service Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 | 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Remarks begin at 2:10 p.m.)
WHERE: 1500 Scribner Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI
On-site parking is available at the main Scribner entrance, with overflow parking in the lot off Front Ave. NW.