Henry Ford Health System has released preliminary plans to invest $500 million to improve its West Grand Boulevard campus and create a 300-acre residential, retail and business development south of the hospital. The overall development strategy includes two plans and two sets of boundaries.
The first, which William Schramm, Henry Ford's vice president of business development, characterizes as "mission-related," could include research and ambulatory care divisions, a surgery center and educational facilities, in what might be termed a south campus of the hospital. Boundaries are W. Grand Blvd., Holden, the Lodge Freeway and Sterling. Properties are being acquired in this targeted area.
The second, which is larger, more ambitious and stretches outside of Henry Ford's core business of health care, is called Community Health Park, and would be bounded by W. Grand Blvd., 14th St., the Lodge Freeway, and I-94. The area would see residential, commercial and retail development, particularly in the areas of "health care-related support services," says Schramm. As for existing interests in the area, which include Recycle Here!, Caraco Pharmaceutical and Research Lofts, Schramm says, "We're not looking to displace...we will continue to work with them."
Henry Ford still needs board approval of the plan and to raise the funds -- both $500 million internally as well as an additional $500 million from outside developers.
Source: William Schramm, HFHS
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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