Ritsema Associates

Summary

Size:

240,000 SF

Type:

Laboratory & Research

Definition:

New

Budget:

$170,000,000

Description

Phase 2 is a 240,000 square foot addition to the existing 162,000 square foot facility.  The Administrative floor and 5 levels of labs are supported by basement and penthouse mechanical levels. The lab includes BSL-2 labs, open “dry” lab, media prep, crystallography and a vivarium expansion including animal holding, necropsy, quarantine and procedure rooms. Both the lab and vivarium spaces are supported with centralized glass wash and autoclave sterilizers on each level. Mission critical building systems have built-in redundancy via diesel powered emergency generators, fly-wheel uninterrupted power supply, and electric steam generators. The building enclosure includes cascading skylights facing the downtown area. 

The design and construction teams targeted high-level LEED certification.  Founded by Jay and Betty Van Andel, Van Andel Institute’s goal is to have a worldwide impact on medical science and education. The Institute supports Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) in achieving this goal. VARI conducts biomedical research, with a focus on cancer and Parkinson disease and with an emphasis on translating scientific research results into clinical applications. VAEI strengthens science education and prepares and motivates individuals to pursue science or science-related professions.