Michigan State University Opens $88.1M Research Center in Grand Rapids

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Michigan State University today announced the opening of an $88.1 million research center in Grand Rapids. The six-story, 162,800-square-foot facility will initially accommodate 33 principal investigators and their research teams, with space to eventually house 44 full teams.

Areas of scientific study will include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, cancer, women’s health and infertility, autism, and pediatric cancers.

“The opening of our Grand Rapids Research Center is a major step toward creating a special blend of learning and discovery that will have a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve in Michigan, the country, and the world,” says Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU president.

MSU broke ground on the facility in June 2015, and the project delivery team included Lansing-based Clark Construction Co. and Rockford Construction of Grand Rapids as co-managers of construction. Detroit-based SmithGroupJJR was the engineering and architect of record, and MSU was represented by Kramer Management Group and MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities.

“This research center is built around collaboration, not only to promote the sharing of ideas and information among the scientists within, but with the researchers and physicians at Spectrum Health, Van Andel Institute, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Valley State University, Pine Rest, and Mary Free Bed,” says Norman J. Beauchamp, dean of MSU’s College of Human Medicine. “For us to be a leader in medical research, having these incredibly powerful institutions working together is essential.”

The research center is located on the site of the former Grand Rapids Press building, at the corner of Michigan Street and Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.