DETROIT, MI — The Barton Malow-Turner-Dixon (BTD) team recently began its community engagement efforts with Henry Ford Health for the health system’s Destination: Grand project with a contractor outreach event. The event, held at TechTown Detroit, drew significant attention with 117 participants. As the first of several planned outreach events, its primary objective was to raise awareness about the project and forge connections with local minority- and women-owned businesses, highlighting their crucial role in the forthcoming hospital expansion project.

Henry Ford Health has expressed that fostering local and diverse business participation in the Destination: Grand project is a top priority. To ensure inclusivity, a minimum of 35% of direct construction contracts will be allocated to minority- and women-owned businesses. Of that, 17.5% of these contracts are earmarked for City of Detroit-headquartered businesses, while another 17.5% will be dedicated to diverse businesses located outside Detroit.

“The turnout and enthusiasm we witnessed at the outreach event were phenomenal,” said Barton Malow Director of Community Engagement Dannis Mitchell. “There’s an incredible sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding Henry Ford Health’s Destination: Grand vision. We are eager to collaborate with local and diverse businesses, fostering an inclusive and thriving community as we move forward with this transformative endeavor.”

Destination: Grand is part of an overall $2.5 billion broader development plan alongside key partners. The Destination: Grand vision includes a new hospital facility with a patient tower, an expanded emergency department, medical procedural and lab spaces, and acute intensive care units, among other features. Set to be built by the BTD joint venture on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, groundbreaking is expected in 2024.