Michigan State University Board of Trustees Approves Construction of $335 Million Biomedical Research Center in Detroit
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees has given the green light for the construction of a groundbreaking $335 million biomedical research center in Detroit. This state-of-the-art facility, known as the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Research Center, will be a joint venture between Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health, marking a significant milestone in their 30-year partnership.
The seven-story, 335,000-square-foot research center will be MSU’s largest facility to date, designed to house over 80 principal investigator teams and cutting-edge technology. Situated near the intersection of Amsterdam Street and Third Avenue, the center is part of a $3 billion “Future of Health” development project that includes a new hospital tower, campus, and mixed-use residential buildings in collaboration with the Detroit Pistons.
“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,” said Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health. The research center will focus on expanding research in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on addressing health inequities and disparities.
The groundbreaking facility will also house the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, the first institute dedicated solely to neurofibromatosis, fostering collaboration across the partnership and with researchers globally. Construction is expected to commence in mid-May, with the research center slated to open its doors in 2027.
“This investment pushes the boundary of medical knowledge and signifies a commitment to advancing biomedical research and MSU’s commitment to the people of Detroit and the broader Michigan community,” stated MSU Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly. The center aims to serve as a national model for how universities, health care systems, and communities can work together to drive innovation and improve health outcomes for all.