Continuing Care

Spectrum Health to Build New Rehab, Long-Term Care Facilities

New buildings to provide community with modern facilities for optimal care

November 9, 2020

Grand Rapids, Mich., 11-9-2020, – Spectrum Health has purchased property that allows them to move ahead on plans to build two modern sub-acute rehabilitation (SAR) and long-term care (LTC) facilities that will enhance the patient experience.

Nine acres recently were purchased at the corner of Fuller and Cedar streets for a 132-bed LTC and hospice center. That purchase comes on the heels of final Grand Rapids city approval for an 80 bed, 15-acre, SAR facility on Leffingwell Avenue NE, property that Spectrum Health already owns.

The construction of these buildings will enable Spectrum Health to offer the community modern, spacious, facilities specifically designed for rehabilitation services and long-term care. Spectrum Health has budgeted $55 million for construction of the two buildings. Upon completion, care will no longer be provided at Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center – Fuller Avenue.

“Those we serve for rehab and long-term care will benefit from a facility specifically designed for their needs,” said Chad Tuttle, senior vice president, hospital operations and post-acute care, Spectrum Health. “Well-designed, smaller facilities will provide us with a modern environment that will be pleasing to patients and support our team members in delivering care. It’s a true win-win for everyone.”

The 250-bed Fuller campus has served many functions in the region through the years. It was not initially designed for its current use as a rehabilitation and LTC facility. New buildings will not only enhance patient care and recovery, but also reduce current maintenance and operation costs.

The SAR facility on Leffingwell will sit on 15 acres. It will be a single-story building with approximately 82,000 square feet. The primary focus will be rehabilitation for those recovering from a wide range of care, including general medicine, cardiovascular, orthopedic and trauma. After a short rehab stay, people will transition to home. Their recovery will be enhanced by a natural setting with wetlands that will provide comfortable, appealing and healing spaces. Site work has begun and is slated to be completed in early 2022.

Design work on the LTC facility at Cedar and Fuller streets recently began. The single-story building will be approximately 100,000 square feet with 120 LTC beds. The site will also house a 12-bed acute-care unit to serve hospice patients. State Certificate of Need approval is required for both facilities.

Spectrum Health took over ownership of the Fuller building from the county in 1999 while the county maintains ownership of the property. According to the purchase agreement, if Spectrum Health moves services out of the building, it will revert to county ownership.

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Contact:
Ellen Bristol
External Affairs Manager
Office: 616.391.4399
Mobile: 616.581.6474
Email: ellen.bristol@corewellhealth.org