<p>During its fall meeting Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, the Corporation of Brown University approved design schematics for the school’s new medical education building on Richmond Street in the city’s Jewelry District.</p>

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — At its regular fall business meeting today (Saturday, Oct.17, 2009), the Corporation of Brown University endorsed design schematics for the University’s new medical education building.

The schematics, approved by the Corporation Committee on Facilities and Design, provide detailed information about a new state-of-the-art home for the Warren Alpert Medical School to be located at 222 Richmond St. in Providence’s Jewelry District. University officials anticipate beginning a $45-million renovation of the building in spring 2010, pending city approval.

Edward J. Wing, M.D., dean of medicine and biological sciences, said that approval of the schematic plans marks “the beginning of a new era in medical education” at Brown.

“I am elated by the vote of the Corporation,” Wing said. “This milestone will enable Alpert Medical School to continue its upward trajectory toward greater excellence.”

Designs for the approximately 135,000 gross-square-foot project, created by Ellenzweig Associates, include a central atrium with entrances on both Richmond and Eddy streets, the latter of which is the current back of the building.

The medical education building will feature lecture halls, an anatomy lab, case study and seminar rooms. The building will enable Alpert Medical School to begin using the academy system, a concept that allows the medical school class to be organized in smaller subgroups for class teaching and mentoring.

According to an independent analysis by Appleseed Inc. of New York, renovation of the medical education building will directly create nearly 350 temporary jobs in the construction trades and related industries and, through a multiplier effect, will support an additional 200 jobs and generate $26.2 million of economic output throughout the state.

The building at 222 Richmond Street was among properties purchased by the University in October 2006.

A plan for the Jewelry District

At its strategic discussion session Friday afternoon, the Corporation received a report from planning architect Frances Halsband. Halsband, who created a framework for the construction and renovation projects on the University’s historic campus, led a planning study for areas of the Jewelry District in which the University owns property. The set of planning principles and design concepts she presented would help establish a pattern for development that would integrate the University with the neighborhood, contribute to a more vibrant community, and support ongoing efforts to spur economic growth.

The Corporation reviewed plans for enhancements in the Jewelry District. Ideas under consideration include wider sidewalks for Richmond Street, better landscaping, improved signage, and additional retail.

A coherent, consistent and well-crafted plan for developing its properties in the Jewelry District — particularly the new medical education building and the Laboratories for Molecular Medicine at 70 Ship St. — will contribute to the revitalization of an important Providence neighborhood and will help build the Knowledge Economy in Providence.

Gifts to the University

University policy requires that all gifts of $1 million and above be formally accepted by the Corporation. At its meeting today, the Corporation accepted or ratified acceptance by its Advisory and Executive Committee of:

  • an anonymous gift of $5 million for the Brown Institute for Brain Science;
  • a gift of $5 million from a parent couple for the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts;
  • a gift of $3 million from Diane N. Weiss to create the Intrepid Heroes Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery, honoring combat veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq;
  • an anonymous gift of $1 million from alumni parents for the aquatics center;
  • an anonymous gift of $1 million, half for the William R. Rhodes ’57 Center for International Economics and Finance and half for the Greater China Fund;
  • an anonymous gift of $1 million, $500,000 to establish the Sunrise Scholarship Fund, $300,000 for the Brown Annual Fund, and $200,000 to support a research/study/internship program for Brown students in Asia;
  • an anonymous gift of $1 million from Brown parents, $750,000 to endow the assistant squash coach’s position, $125,000 for support of women’s squash, and $125,000 for the Athletic Director’s Excellence Fund.

Other Actions of the Corporation

At its business meeting today, the Corporation also took the following actions:

  • New members. The Corporation administered the oath of engagement to the three fellows and nine trustees who were elected at the previous meeting in May.
  • Named chair appointment. Dr. Mark Sigman, professor of surgery, was appointed the Krishnamurthi Family Professor of Urology.