When the Secchia Center opened in 2010, it began a new era for Michigan State University moving its medical school to Grand Rapids. More than 10-years later, MSU’s footprint along the city’s Medical Mile has expanded with the construction of the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center.
Currently under construction are the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building and Perrigo’s new North American Corporate Headquarters.
Partnering with Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, an economic impact study was conducted. It begins with construction impacts from 2008 through 2022.
“And so, we’ve seen almost 2,000 construction jobs, 675,000 square feet of space, $352 million in economic activity and $295 million in construction costs.”
Dr. Norman Beauchamp is MSU executive vice president for health delivering the report during Monday’s virtual Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon.
“And really a catalytic effect where it’s helping to bring physicians and researchers to the community. There’s great synergy with our partners both research and recruiting. Being able to bring industry, and then again, delivering on the commitment to have a bigger MSU presence here in Grand Rapids.”
For Kent County, it’s delivering a net annual economic impact of $339 million and increasing earnings by $142 million.