It was 1876, 150-years ago that St. James Catholic Church opened its doors to worshipers on Grand Rapids West Side and has stood as a testament to the West Side’s strong Catholic tradition.
Flash forward to 2022 when the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids decided to close its doors. Fewer members, aging facilities and expense, all entered into the decision to consolidate the Diocese with fewer facilities. The building has sat empty and alone since then.
Today, 2026, Crain’s Grand Rapids reports a Grand Rapids-based investment firm is nearing a deal to buy St. James Catholic Church on Bridge Street, with plans to demolish the 150-year-old building…