Wayne State University in Detroit has broken ground on a $200 million, 160,000-square-foot Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB) at 545 E. Canfield St. in Detroit (just north of the Detroit Medical Center).
The new five-story facility is designed to drive next-generation opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement as part of the university’s mission to advance health and scientific discovery. Project completion is targeted for early 2028.
“This new building represents Wayne State’s deep and enduring commitment to improving the health and economic strength of Detroit, our region and the state of Michigan,” says Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of WSU.
“Here, our world-class biomedical researchers, clinicians, students, and community partners will come together to solve some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, and to ensure discoveries more quickly reach the people who need them most.”
The building will serve as a biomedical research hub where Wayne State health scientists can unite their expertise to address complex health issues.
Dedicated research space will focus on oncology, neurosciences, systems biology and immunology, and metabolism and infectious diseases. Cross-cutting research in these areas will build upon Wayne State’s longstanding clinical health system partnerships, including Karmanos Cancer Institute/McLaren Health and the Detroit Medical Center, as well as those with community organizations.
“This new facility represents our deep commitment to improving health through collaboration — not just within the university, but across our entire community,” said Bernard J. Costello, senior vice president for health affairs at WSU.
“We are creating a space where research meets real-world impact and where our strong relationships with clinical partners and community organizations can continue to support discoveries that will shape the future of health care.”
Key goals of the HSRB include:
- Accelerating discovery to impact by reducing the typical 10-year to 15-year lag between research breakthroughs and the development of new medicines, technologies, and interventions.
- Fueling economic growth through research and development activities that create jobs, train a skilled workforce, and launch new health industries.
- Fostering collaboration across disciplines to tackle health disparities that disproportionately affect Detroit residents.
- Providing hands-on education and College to Career experiences for students to learn alongside faculty researchers and clinicians, preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
The development is supported by a $100 million commitment from the State of Michigan, with additional funding through university resources and philanthropy.
“Wayne State always has been a leader in the area of health sciences and this planned $200 million advanced research building is further proof of the university’s commitment to this important field and to the people of Detroit,” says Mayor Mike Duggan.
“Instead of an asphalt parking lot, we soon will have a vibrant new center for educational opportunities and research discoveries that will translate into better health for many Detroiters.”
Community members will be invited to take part in research design and outreach initiatives aimed at addressing preventable disease and health disparities across Detroit.
“Through research and community engagement, Wayne State University transforms collaboration into meaningful outcomes, improving health and well-being while empowering the communities we serve,” says David Underwood, managing director of the Detroit Community Care Network.
“The knowledge, resources, and connections I’ve gained working with Wayne State have been extremely helpful in DCCN’s growth and effectiveness. I’m grateful for the relationship DCCN has with Wayne State University and its many collaborative departments.”
The site will feature green infrastructure, landscaped gathering areas, benches, and tables to create an open and inviting campus connection. Wayne State will also seek LEED Silver certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The HSRB will be strategically located across from Wayne State’s School of Medicine and will be home to many of the school’s biomedical researchers, as well as researchers from across the university whose funded work is aligned with these areas.
“The Health Sciences Research Building will allow our School of Medicine researchers — already among the best in their fields — to take their work to new heights,” says Dr. David Rosenberg, acting dean of the WSU School of Medicine. “Most importantly, it will help ensure that the breakthroughs made here directly improve the health and well-being of Detroiters, Michiganders, and people far beyond.”
A planned pedestrian bridge connected to Scott Hall and a dedicated walkway to the Elliman Research Building will provide seamless connectivity, supporting collaborations between basic scientists, clinicians, educators, and students.
“The Health Sciences Research Building will be a powerful catalyst for advancing cancer research and care,” says Dr. Boris Pasche, chair of the WSU Department of Oncology and president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. “With our strong partnership with Wayne State and as Michigan’s first NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karmanos is proud to help accelerate discoveries from the lab to the bedside. The breakthroughs made here will push the boundaries of science and bring hope and healing to patients and families across Detroit and beyond.”
The project team includes Kramer Management as the owner’s representative, HKS Architects & Designers, Osborn Engineering, the Christman Co. construction firm and Wayne State University’s Facilities Planning and Management.
