The Van Andel Institute is one of the
newest additions to Grand Rapids, thanks to the generous gift of Jay and Betty Van Andel.
Designed by New York City architect, Rafael Vinoly, the building’s unique
state-of-the-art design is meant to reflect the leading-edge research taking place there.
This facility has been recognized in global scientific circles as one of the premier
facilities for cancer and biomedical research.
Scientists and scholars from around the world including several Nobel Prize winners
have come together to collaborate and cooperate in the battle against cancer.
The first phase of the project has been completed at a cost of $60 million. Phase One
is approximately one-third of the completed proposed facility. Phase Two will include
additional administrative and laboratory space, conference facilities, a parking facility
and a cafeteria. This massive and technologically advanced facility will allow the hosting
of conventions that are currently forced to go elsewhere. The estimated final cost of the
Institute is $200 million.
The Van Andel Institute is the executive and administrative body housing two separate
divisions, the Van Andel Research Institute and the Van Andel Education Institute. The
goal of the Van Andel Research Institute is to conduct leading research that will lead to
the improvement of health and the further expansion of medical science research.
Scientists are working toward designing drugs with the capabilities of targeting mutations
in the cancer virus. The hope is that one day an individual suffering from cancer will be
able to receive treatment for the specific genetic makeup of his or her cancer. Cancer
patients in Grand Rapids will soon be able to receive drugs and therapies in town that are
currently only available if they travel to other medical facilities outside of the area.
The second arm of the Institute, the Van Andel Education Institute has set its goals on
improving and strengthening education at the K-12 levels. Six distinguished education
advocates head up this program and are seeking to determine the issues prevalent in K-12
schools today. The information gained by their studies will aid in taking great steps to
achieve excellence in education in Grand Rapids and beyond. The Van Andel Education
Institute has already begun its research on the impact of technology. It opened the Van
Andel Educational Technology School in Alger Park Elementary School in Grand Rapids.
State-of-the-art computers, curriculum packages, and equipment are being used to educate
students. Researchers from Dartmouth College are studying the impact of this educational
process in primary and secondary schools.
The Van Andel Institute is bringing exciting change to Grand Rapids in the areas of
medical technology and education. These changes will allow the City of Grand Rapids to
lead the way in cancer research and education for years to come.
(Link to www.vai.org for more information)
The
150,000-square foot building stands four stories high, strikingly beautiful
with its majestic walls of glass. An open floor plan encourages a sense of
community and opportunities for interaction between members and their
guests. The majority of members are students, downtown business people, and
families from the northwest and northeast sides of town. The new YMCA
includes an aquatics center, exercise/training area, climbing wall, courts
for basketball and other sports, indoor running track, chapel and meeting
rooms.
The
face of downtown Grand Rapids is constantly changing with the renovation of
current buildings and the construction of new ones. After two years in the
making, the recently completed Kent County Courthouse is the newest of these
additions. Located at 180 Ottawa , this 13-story building will provide
323,626 square feet of much needed space for county employees and guests.
The facility came with a price tag of just under $60 million, staying under
the allotted budget for the project.
The DeVos
Place Convention Center graces the streets of downtown Grand Rapids, drawing
visitors from near and far. The project began early in 2001 and was finished
in 2004. The new center is located on 13 acres overlooking the Grand River,
with a total area of 1 million sq. ft. The total cost for the new convention
center was $220 million. It draws national attention to Grand Rapids by
adding to the city’s already broad list of resources and activities for
residents and visitors. Included in the floor plan are:
Want to visit the Grand Canyon? How about a galactic voyage around the stars?
You can do all of that -- in rocking-chair comfort at the
300-seat IMAX theater on the East Beltline, near Knapp NE.
Grand Rapids'
Downtown has its Plaza, and now it has its own Central Park. Maya
Lin, whose creations include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil
Rights Memorial has designed a retreat and entertainment area at the end
of Monroe Center.