Not every commercial real estate search begins with dozens of options. Some require creativity, persistence, and a deep understanding of the local market.
That was the case when Covenant High School, a nonprofit alternative high school serving students throughout the Grand Rapids area, began searching for a permanent location. The school needed approximately 10,000 square feet along the Division Avenue corridor or near downtown Grand Rapids, so students who rely on public transportation could continue accessing the school. With a limited number of properties meeting those requirements and an approaching lease expiration, time was becoming a critical factor.
Fortunately, the right property became available at 2211 Division Ave S.
While the location aligned with Covenant High School’s needs, the transaction presented challenges for both the buyer and seller.
For the buyer, the search area was extremely limited. The school’s mission depends on serving students who rely on public transportation, making accessibility a non-negotiable requirement. Finding a building of the right size, in the right location, within the necessary timeframe required looking beyond traditional property searches.
For the seller, the property presented its own obstacles. The former grocery store had experienced years of heavy use and deferred maintenance, and commercial properties along this section of Division Avenue often require longer marketing periods than properties in other parts of Grand Rapids.
Successfully bringing these two parties together required experience, market knowledge, and collaboration.
Rather than relying solely on publicly available listings, Todd Leinberger, MBA, representing Covenant High School, identified the opportunity before it officially reached the market. By expanding the search beyond active listings and working proactively, he positioned his client to act quickly when the property became available.
Representing the seller, Doug Taatjes, SIOR, CCIM, developed a marketing strategy that generated multiple offers despite the property’s condition and market challenges. Through careful communication and strategic negotiations, both brokers worked collaboratively to guide the transaction toward a successful outcome.
Their ability to navigate a competitive offer process while keeping both clients’ objectives in focus ultimately benefited everyone involved.
The property sold at full asking price and closed faster than anticipated. Because Covenant High School’s intended use did not require a Special Land Use approval, the transaction remained on schedule, allowing renovations to begin in preparation for the 2027 academic year.
The sale provided the seller with a successful disposition of a challenging property while giving Covenant High School a permanent home that supports its mission and the students it serves.
Commercial real estate transactions often involve more than simply matching a buyer with a property.
Some deals require uncovering opportunities before they reach the market. Others require repositioning a property to maximize value or navigating negotiations that satisfy multiple parties with very different objectives.
This transaction demonstrates how local market knowledge, creative problem solving, and collaborative negotiation can create successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers. Whether representing an owner preparing to sell or an organization searching for a highly specific property, experienced brokers can identify opportunities that others may overlook and guide clients through complex transactions with confidence.
NAI Wisinski of West Michigan is the largest independently owned commercial real estate firm in West Michigan, providing brokerage, leasing, property management, investment, and advisory services throughout the region. With offices in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, NAI Wisinski of West Michigan serves clients across the office, industrial, retail, land, and multifamily sectors, helping businesses and property owners make informed real estate decisions that support long-term success.
We know West Michigan because it’s our home.
Our team brings generations of experience rooted in West Michigan. With 53 team members and respected industry designations including 8 SIORs, 6 CCIMs, and 4 CPMs, we offer informed guidance shaped by decades of work in this market.
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