GVSU celebrates progress on Battle Creek Innovation Hub

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.– Grand Valley celebrated progress on the renovation of the Battle Creek Innovation Hub on Wednesday. GVSU is working in partnership with local organizations, Battle Creek Unlimited and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on the renovation of the former Kendall Center to shape the future of education in the area.

The event included a lunch, speakers and a hard hat tour of the downtown Battle Creek building to provide attendees with an inside view of the progress and transformation of a building with a long history in Battle Creek.

Originally an arcade, the building was rebuilt after a fire and turned into a department store. It changed hands and was repurposed multiple times before becoming the Kendall Center, providing space for offices, research and restaurants among other uses.

The renovation was supported by a $10.3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive of GVSU Omni, thanked the foundation for its contribution to the expansion of GVSU's outreach in the Battle Creek area.

“These renovations are more than just structural updates,” Van Dam said. “They represent a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth.”

Transforming the Kendall Center into the Battle Creek Innovation Hub is a part of GVSU's commitment to bridging the gap in post-secondary educational attainment.

“Grand Valley State University at the Battle Creek Innovation Hub will serve as a regional center for Southwest Michigan, supporting GVSU locations and programs across 13 counties,” said Al Shifflett, the GVSU Omni director for Southwest Michigan. “This expansion reflects our dedication to responding to community needs and reinforces GVSU's commitment to education, workforce development and regional impact.”

A total of 10,531 gross square feet of the building is being renovated in the construction. The incoming amenities in the Innovation Hub include: Two 25-seat classrooms, a 50-seat classroom, a 94-seat event space, seven administrative spaces, a kitchen for culinary instruction and a cafe.

The space is designed as a communal space for innovators to collaborate and work alongside each other, in addition to the dedicated instructional spaces.

“Facilities such as the Battle Creek Innovation Hub anchored with an institution such as Grand Valley State University are critical for the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Battle Creek,” said Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited.

During the tour, attendees were taken through the building and provided with a reference point for the planned setup for the building. While in its stripped-down state, the building appears as the skeleton of what will become the Innovation Hub, GVSU, Battle Creek Unlimited and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation are proud of the progress made so far.

“It's always exciting to stand on the foundation, literally and figuratively, of a project that represents so much promise for Battle Creek's future,” said Yazeed Moore, director of Michigan Programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

In her remarks, GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella highlighted the breadth of impact the Innovation Hub provides Battle Creek and the surrounding area, as well as how it will help shape future expansion of GVSU programs like Omni in other regions.

"What is taking place here in Battle Creek will serve as a model for other regions around Michigan, demonstrating how connecting community partners and creating a relevant portfolio, by combining a centerpiece location with on-site and online offerings, can turbocharge a response to the region's needs," Mantella said.

Grand Valley plans to hold an official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the Battle Creek community in October.