A Transformational Development with a BIG Mission
Creating the Next Bioscience Hub in Michigan
A transformational development on Saginaw’s riverfront is bringing together education, research, healthcare and enterprise to form the state’s third bioscience hub – the only one north of Flint.
The single biggest overall development in Saginaw since the 1960s, The Medical Diamond is a:
Six-acre site in Downtown Saginaw – the epicenter of a growing cluster of hospitals, healthcare organizations, universities, and cultural destinations on both sides of the river.
$250 million, regional project designed for medical and health professions education, behavioral and primary care delivery, public health, medical office space, financial services, hotel/restaurant/conference/retail space, and riverfront recreation for the whole community.
Driver of urban revitalization through public and private investments.
Pipeline for creating diverse providers skilled in culturally responsive care to fill critical needs in local communities, the region, and state.
Connector of medical learners, patients and mentor professionals on an integrated campus.
Point of access for healthcare services for local neighborhoods and beyond.
Spark for economic prosperity and job growth in Downtown Saginaw and throughout the region.
FAQs
Q: What is the Medical Diamond Project?
A: It is a six-acre site along Washington Avenue in downtown Saginaw, Michigan, where the old Farmer’s Market used to be. The site is under development to be home of the newly consolidated Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Saginaw Valley State University Health Professions education building, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers’ Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and primary care hub, and much more – including a new riverfront park with public access and recreation.
The project site sits within a larger diamond-shaped geographic area along the riverfront including the region’s two largest hospitals and other health partners on the east and west sides of the river, along with key cultural and educational destination to the north and south.
Q: Why is it significant?
A: Three reasons:
- Michigan – especially areas like the Great Lakes Bay – urgently need more healthcare providers. The Medical Diamond leverages existing and new medical assets to create a pipeline of diverse providers skilled in culturally responsive care to fill critical needs in local communities, the region and the state.
- The Medical Diamond will form the state’s third bioscience hub, the only one north of Flint, to serve a third of the northern lower peninsula.
- It is the single biggest overall development in Saginaw since the 1960s and a catalyst for Saginaw and the region’s continued renaissance. The Medical Diamond will strengthen our medical community, which is the primary driver of economic output, with ripple affects throughout the region and state. It will also spur job growth and economic prosperity.
Q: How will the Medical Diamond inform the community of its work?
A: The Medical Diamond is a true collaboration governed not by one entity but by a Steering Committee of multiple entities – each investing in the site at some level. Instead of one voice, there are nearly 20 — which means many organizations, many moving parts, and many details still firming up.
Information is being shared as it becomes available. We ask the community to understand the concerted and respectful process of allowing each organization to develop its own footprint within the bigger site before announcements are made to the public.
Q: How will the community benefit?
A: Medical expertise closer to home. Access to care. Job growth. Retail and restaurant options. Enhanced green space and recreational opportunities.
Q: What are the potential job opportunities?
A: Restaurant, retail, financial, hospitality, healthcare, education, construction, administrative, skilled trades, maintenance, landscaping, and so much more! With the help of our region’s numerous colleges and universities – along with Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! – these positions will be widely promoted when they become posted.
Q: What kind of recreational space is being envisioned in the park?
A: Think of this as Saginaw’s Central Park! The sky is the limit. Green space offers enhanced opportunities to read a book, share a picnic with family and friends, ride bikes, fish, boat or kayak, walk, rest, fly a kite, play, and relax.
The City of Saginaw residents participated in listening sessions to “brainstorm” the kinds of recreation needed in the area. World-renowned SCAPE is designing the plans which — based on community feedback — will include fitness areas, a habitat cove, boat docks, picnic areas, educational playgrounds for multiple age groups, flexible performance space, kayak launch, a “great lawn” and Iron Bell trail access.
PROJECT SCOPE
$250 million project
$43.6 million secured in public funding to date for infrastructure development
Private fundraising underway
Site to include:
- 110,000-square-foot medical education building
- 50,000-square-foot health professions education building
- 50,00-square-foot behaviorial and public health space
- Three-story, 60,000-square-foot office building for medical office space
- 15,000-square-foot financial services building
- 90-guest-room hotel with restaurant, conference, and retail space
- 5.5 acre riverfront park with public access and recreation
Riverfront Park Improvement
TIMELINE
PROJECT TEAMS
Infrastructure Team
City of Saginaw
Saginaw Future
Spicer Engineering
AKT Peerless
Consumers Energy
MDOT
EGLE
Steering Team
Central Michigan University College of Medicine
City of Saginaw
Covenant HealthCare
Dow
Garber Group
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance
MyMichigan Health
Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce
Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority
Saginaw County Health Department
Saginaw Future
Saginaw Valley State University
Shaheen Development
Spence Brothers
Saginaw Community Foundation
Spicer Group
TriStar Trust Bank
SITE OCCUPANTS
The following tenants that have announced their presence in the Medical Diamond to date:
Central Michigan University College of Medicine
- This consolidated medical school education campus serves as the site anchor
Saginaw Valley State University
- Health Professions education building
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
- Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
- Primary Care
- Pharmacy services