Copyright M Live Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Medical school graduates who are completing training at Corewell Health will have a new housing option in Grand Rapids starting in 2027. The health system is set to break ground today on the Karl and Patricia Betz Resident Physician Living Center. The six-floor, 118-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail space will be located at 648 Ottawa Ave. NW. Candace Smith-King, vice president of academic affairs at Corewell, said finding housing can be challenging for resident physicians moving to Grand Rapids. The new building is designed to make the process easier. “By addressing one of the most immediate challenges for residents and fellows, we are creating a smoother, more supportive experience to pave the way for a physician’s life-long career in Michigan,” Smith-King said. Alexis Bolo Neal, a senior communications specialist at Corewell, said the health system is not disclosing the cost of the project, which is expected to be complete in June 2027. The building was named after longtime Corewell donors Karl and Patricia Betz, who provided the lead gift for the development. Bolo Neal said Corewell is not disclosing the amount of the gift. The Betz family founded Betz Industries, a Walker-based manufacturer of iron castings, in 1933. “This leadership gift by Karl and Patti Betz will forever be linked to the growth of our physician workforce,” said Kelly Dyer, president of the Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan. “They recognized the importance of supporting our next generation of health care providers and attracting top physician talent to Michigan. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity.” The new apartment building is located just east of Corewell Health Place, the health system’s $98 million administration building that opened last year. Once open, the building is expected to include a mix of 118 studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments will offer “flexible short- and long-term living arrangements tailored to the varied rotational schedules and financial needs of Corewell Health’s resident and fellow physicians in West Michigan,” according to a release. Bolo Neal said the rental rates will be “competitive” and that the apartments will provide “attainable housing at a great value.” She said exact “rental rates have not yet been determined” but “are expected to be finalized as the project nears completion.” In addition to apartments, the building will have 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. A tenant for the space has not been selected, but Corewell is open to “a variety of retail options,” Bolo Neal said.
