Originally published 1/5/2015

Grand Valley State University’s Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences is about to get a little bigger.

In a creative deal with Spectrum Health, GVSU acquired new property to expand the Center for Health Sciences, located on the Pew Campus. After a Dec. 9 board meeting, Spectrum Health gave up its parking lot on Michigan Street, located immediately next to the center, in exchange for GVSU’s parking lot on Lafayette Street.

James Moyer, associate vice president for facilities planning, said GVSU has been planning to expand in this area for a long time.

“The earliest discussions concerning the possible purchase of property date back to 2003,” Moyer said. “With the land transfers, Spectrum has an opportunity to advance its agenda, as does GVSU. This land purchase, coupled with the earlier purchase of the north side of the Interstate 196 Highway, provides GVSU land for its growth for several decades.”

Moyer said they are currently discussing the specifics for how the expansion will be used.

“About two years ago, GVSU undertook a programming study to address space needs for new academic offerings in the health education fields,” Moyer said. “Some of these new academic programs have been approved and are underway. Others are making their way through the review processes.”

Due to the fact that Spectrum Health’s parking lot is slightly bigger, GVSU will compensate the company with $1.85 million.

Contrary to some assumptions, Moyer said the new property will not change how many people are able to get into nursing and health programs. Instead, the greater factors to consider are the new teaching resources and increased space for classrooms, offices and laboratories that will emerge through this exchange.

GVSU president Thomas Haas said this expansion will benefit not only GVSU, but also the greater surrounding community.

“GVSU is the leading provider in West Michigan for graduates who are in the health professions,” Haas said. “It was very important for us to look ahead to the health professions, and the result of this transaction is a mutual gain for GVSU, Spectrum Health and the city of Grand Rapids.”

Haas said there is a good chance the state will assist GVSU with the construction of the expansion.

“These are the types of programs the governor of Michigan wants to invest in,” Haas said. “The state has listed this building on its plans going forward, and though we don’t know if they will appropriate the dollars, the state is definitely interested in investing in GVSU.”

Haas added that this process would not be possible without the outstanding partnership between GVSU and Spectrum Health.

“This expansion will help with the revitalization of the state of Michigan,” said Haas. “It is important because we can shape talent and provide more people in the health fields.”