Capitol News

The Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees has given the green light for a new $335 million biomedical research center in Detroit. The facility, which will be located near Amsterdam Street and Third Avenue, is a collaboration between MSU and Henry Ford Health.

The seven-story, 335,000-square-foot building will be owned by MSU and represents the largest research facility the university has undertaken. It will house over 80 principal investigator teams and feature cutting-edge technology. The center is expected to open in 2027.

This project is part of a larger $3 billion "Future of Health" initiative that includes contributions from Henry Ford Health, MSU, and the Detroit Pistons. This development also plans for a new hospital tower and mixed-use residential buildings.

"MSU has a long history of working in Detroit, and our partnership with Henry Ford Health allows us an even greater impact on the health of those in the city and across the state," stated MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz. He emphasized that collaboration is key to addressing health equity challenges.

Henry Ford Health's President and CEO Bob Riney highlighted the significance of this joint effort: "This unique affiliation between our integrated academic health system and MSU will reshape and reimagine how health care is delivered in the city, state, and beyond."

Research at the new center will focus on cancer, neuroscience, immunology, public health, and tackling health disparities. An entire floor will be dedicated to the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute.

Dan Kelly, Chair of the MSU Board of Trustees, remarked on the project's potential: "With the approval of the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Research Center, we are setting the stage for a future where health care innovation, education and community involvement come together."

Norman Beauchamp Jr., executive vice president for MSU Health Sciences added: "Our goal is to build a research powerhouse focused on bringing hope and health to all people."

Construction is slated to begin mid-May with completion anticipated by 2027.