The final beam is now in place at the Karl and Patricia Betz Resident Physician Living Center, named for the lead donors who attended its topping-off event.
The building is designed to attract and retain top medical talent by providing high-quality housing close to the hospital.
Corewell Health West President Dr. Josh Kooistra says the center eliminates a massive hurdle for medical residents, who face a frantic scramble between Match Day in March and their start date in June.
“That's the time frame that they have to find affordable housing in close proximity to where they're going to be practicing. This facility is going to give them reassurance that they will be able to do that. But what's even more special about this facility is the sense of community that it's going to instill.”
Corewell hosts about 430 residents, welcoming 130 new ones each year. The Betz Living Center offers 119 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units along with a rooftop terrace, community kitchen and group study spaces.
Kooistra believes the design will foster connection among residents and the community, enticing them to remain in the region to practice medicine.
“I think that the camaraderie that is going to be built here is going to transform into our hospitals and ultimately lead to better care for our community.”
Leaders say the project remains on budget and on schedule for a June 2027 opening for the next class of medical residents.
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