Summary

Size:

4-Story, 150,000 Sq. Ft.

Type:

Municipal

Budget:

$17.5 Million

Date Completed:

11/01/1994

Description

Design Features:
Computer-programmed temperature control system with humidity sensitive sensors to safeguard irreplaceable exhibits.

Structural systems include a caisson foundation system, extensive use of cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, steel columns and beams, laminated wood beams and tongue and groove wood decking.

The exterior materials include 5 different colors of brick, precast concrete panels, glass block, glass window wall system, terne-coated roofing.

Interior Features:
An antique 52-horse riding carousel
145-seat dome planetarium
35-ton antique steam engine installed on 2nd floor before roof was in place
Six-foot-tall clock from Grand Rapids’ old City Hall
“Gaslight Village” a 2-story re-creation of a street in 1890’s downtown GR
25,000 item Furniture Exhibit
Public areas to serve an anticipated 400,000 annual visitors

Construction Features:
7,800 cubic yards of concrete
650 tons of reinforcing steel
500 architectural precast panels, weighing up to 10 tons
Carousel pavilion extending out over the river required sheet piling, gravel support base, and a scaffolding system to temporarily support a weight of over 2,500,000 pounds
Coordination of 5 cranes and over 100 workmen during much of the project operated on a restricted site.

Constructed on the west bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the Van Andel Museum Center was awarded the 1994 Practice Division Award and Award of Excellence from the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. It was also an award winner in the Institutional Division of the Associated Builders and Contractors 1995 Construction Awards Competition (Western Michigan Chapter).