Jan 6, 2026
Array of Engineers plans to work with Cella Building Co. to renovate the inside of former restaurant Rockwell Republic building
A woman-owned engineering and software design firm plans to relocate its offices and dozens of employees to downtown Grand Rapids where former restaurant Rockwell Republic operated before closing in early 2025.
Grand Rapids-based Array of Engineers is under contract to purchase the building at 45 S. Division Ave., said Hannah Greening, founder and managing broker at Fancy Real Estate, who is representing the firm in the property transaction. Array of Engineers is currently located at 2350 Oak Industrial Drive NE near the I-96 and I-196 interchange on the city’s east side.
Rockwell Republic, which was owned by Grand Rapids-based Restaurant Partners Management LLC, previously operated for 17 years in the now-vacant building.
An affiliate of Restaurant Partners Management, which was founded by restaurateur Jeff Lobdell, currently owns the property, which it bought in 2016 for $2 million, according to property records. The building is currently listed for just under $2 million by Lacuna Commercial Advisors.