WMU to celebrate reopening of Grand Rapids Beltline facility

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will reopen its Grand Rapids Beltline facility Thursday, Aug. 20, following a $5.5 million building renovation project.

In a 10 a.m. ceremony at the building located at 2333 East Beltline Ave. S.E., University officials will unveil the results of an eight-month renovation project that includes a focus on technical innovation, collaboration and student convenience. Two new spaces, the Collaboration Zone and Innovation Lounge, contain state-of-the-art technologies and are centrally located within the facility.

The Beltline renovation also includes a conference center, new classrooms, computer lounge, family restrooms, additional seating, new lighting and modernized furnishings throughout the location. The project was led by architectural firm Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Hubber Inc.

About the ceremony

On hand to lead the grand reopening activities will be:

• Senita Lenear, Third Ward, Grand Rapids city commissioner.
• Dr. Timothy Greene, WMU provost and vice president for academic affairs.
• Dr. Dawn Gaymer, WMU associate provost for extended university programs.
• Roxanne Buhl, regional director, WMU-Grand Rapids.
• ROTC cadets who will offer a flag demonstration.

About the facility

The facility serves a significant portion of the 1,500 students WMU-Grand Rapids enrolls annually. A second facility is located in downtown Grand Rapids. The Beltline location is home to a wide variety of graduate degrees in such disciplines as business, educational leadership, family studies, engineering, social work and psychology. 

The just-completed project was the first extensive renovation since 1990 when the University purchased the 40,000 square-foot-facility, renovated and opened it as the home location for all WMU-Grand Rapids programs. In 2009, WMU celebrated with the community as the University marked 100 years of offering academic programs and service to the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

WMU-Grand Rapids gives working adults the ability to continue their education and professional development on a part-time basis. Programs can be completed entirely at WMU-Grand Rapids, and classes are scheduled primarily in the evenings or weekends.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.