New state-of-the-art facility to transform research, innovation and community health in Detroit; Hub for discovery to accelerate research impact and provide College of Career experiences for WSU students
Wayne State University (WSU) marked a major milestone in its mission to advance health and scientific discovery with the groundbreaking of the Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB) on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. This transformative, $200 million, 160,000-square-foot facility will drive next-generation opportunities for innovation, collaboration and community engagement.
The groundbreaking ceremony – held at the building’s future site at 545 E. Canfield Street in Midtown Detroit – brought together state, local and university leaders alongside faculty, staff, students, and community members.
“This new building represents Wayne State’s deep and enduring commitment to improving the health and economic strength of Detroit, our region and the state of Michigan,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D., WSU president. “Here, our world-class biomedical researchers, clinicians, students, and community partners will come together to solve some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, and to ensure discoveries more quickly reach the people who need them most.”
A hub for discovery, collaboration and innovation
The five-story HSRB will serve as a biomedical research hub where Wayne State health scientists can unite their expertise to address complex health issues. Dedicated research space will focus on oncology, neurosciences, systems biology and immunology, and metabolism and infectious diseases. Cross-cutting research in these areas will build upon Wayne State’s longstanding clinical health system partnerships, including the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute/McLaren Health Care and the Detroit Medical Center, as well as those with community organizations.
“This new facility represents our deep commitment to improving health through collaboration — not just within the university, but across our entire community," said Bernard J. Costello, M.D., DMD, WSU senior vice president for health affairs. "We are creating a space where research meets real-world impact and where our strong relationships with clinical partners and community organizations can continue to support discoveries that will shape the future of health care."
Key goals of the HSRB include:
- Accelerating discovery to impact by reducing the typical 10- to 15-year lag between research breakthroughs and the development of new medicines, technologies and interventions.
- Fueling economic growth through research and development activities that create jobs, train a skilled workforce and launch new health industries.
- Fostering collaboration across disciplines to tackle health disparities that disproportionately affect Detroit residents.
- Providing hands-on education and College to Career experiences for students to learn alongside faculty researchers and clinicians, preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
Rendering of the new Health Sciences Research Building.
Rendering of the labs.
Rendering of the new Health Sciences Research Building.
Research for Detroit, Michigan and beyond
The development is supported by a $100 million commitment from the State of Michigan, with additional funding through university resources and philanthropy.
“Michigan is leading the way and pioneering the future of medicine and health sciences,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This new building will help Michigan attract and retain some of the brightest minds to make breakthrough medical discoveries that make a real difference in peoples’ lives and help them get better. It will grow Michigan’s economy, create good-paying jobs and show once again that Michigan is the best place to pursue a new idea. The State of Michigan was proud to support this cutting-edge project. Let’s keep working together to keep Michigan in the lead and help more people ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
Ezemenari M. Obasi, Ph.D., WSU vice president for research & innovation, said, “The State of Michigan’s investment in this project recognizes the power of Wayne State’s research mission to drive both health outcomes and economic growth. This facility will not only advance science but also serve as a cornerstone for job creation and innovation in Detroit.”
A community-connected research facility
When finished, the HSRB will stand as a symbol of Wayne State’s role as a premier urban public research university committed to advancing knowledge, addressing health outcome disparities, and serving the city of Detroit and beyond.
"Wayne State always has been a leader in the area of health sciences and this planned $200 million advanced research building is further proof of the university's commitment to this important field and to the people of Detroit,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “Instead of an asphalt parking lot, we soon will have a vibrant new center for educational opportunities and research discoveries that will translate into better health for many Detroiters."
In addition to advancing science, the HSRB is designed to be welcoming, accessible and participatory. Community members will be invited to participate in research design and outreach initiatives aimed at addressing preventable disease and health disparities across Detroit.
"Through research and community engagement, Wayne State University transforms collaboration into meaningful outcomes, improving health and well-being while empowering the communities we serve," said David Underwood, managing director of the Detroit Community Care Network. “The knowledge, resources and connections I’ve gained working with Wayne State have been extremely helpful in DCCN’s growth and effectiveness. I’m grateful for the relationship DCCN has with Wayne State University and its many collaborative departments.”
The site will feature green infrastructure, landscaped gathering areas, benches, and tables to create an open and inviting campus connection. Wayne State will also seek LEED Silver certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Wayne State’s research ecosystem
The HSRB will be strategically located across from Wayne State’s School of Medicine and will be home to many of the school’s biomedical researchers, as well as researchers from across the university whose funded work is aligned with these areas.
"The Health Sciences Research Building will allow our School of Medicine researchers — already among the best in their fields — to take their work to new heights,” said David Rosenberg, M.D., acting dean of the WSU School of Medicine. “Most importantly, it will help ensure that the breakthroughs made here directly improve the health and well-being of Detroiters, Michiganders and people far beyond."
A planned pedestrian bridge connecting Scott Hall and a dedicated walkway to the Elliman Research Building will provide seamless connectivity, supporting collaborations between basic scientists, clinicians, educators, and students.
“The Health Sciences Research Building will be a powerful catalyst for advancing cancer research and care,” Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, chair of the WSU Department of Oncology and president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. “With our strong partnership with Wayne State and as Michigan’s first NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karmanos is proud to help accelerate discoveries from the lab to the bedside. The breakthroughs made here will push the boundaries of science and bring hope and healing to patients and families across Detroit and beyond.”
Looking ahead
The project team includes Kramer Management as the owner’s representative, HKS Architects & Designers, Osborn Engineering, the Christman Company construction firm and Wayne State University’s Facilities Planning and Management.
"A project of this magnitude is only possible because of the skill, vision and dedication of the many tradespeople, engineers and architects who are bringing it to life,” said Bethany Gielczyk, Wayne State’s senior vice president for finance and business affairs and chief financial officer. “We are deeply grateful to our partners and the countless men and women in the skilled trades whose hard work will transform this site into a world-class research facility."
The design development phase is complete, and with the ceremonial groundbreaking, construction is set to begin. Project completion is targeted for early 2028.
Originally published at Today@Wayne.