The board of directors of Grace College & Seminary, Winona Lake, IN, recently voted to begin construction of the new Orthopaedic Capital Center in late April. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Friday morning, March 17.
The $9.1 million, 60,000-square foot community center located on Wooster Road will meet the needs of businesses and organizations that hold events with an audience of up to 2,800 people, such as business meetings and seminars; trade shows and exhibitions; musical events and concerts; home, boat and craft shows; and athletic events. The building is scheduled to open in May 2007.
Initial construction of the community center, which will be located on the north side of the Grace campus, involved cleaning up an adjacent four-acre brownfield and converting it into a parking lot. The brownfield was contaminated by a former industrial site, and had been idle for 30 years. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management was integrally involved in this cleanup process, which was completed in the fall of 2005.
Three of the area’s largest employers provided the lead gift to make the center possible: Biomet Inc.; DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc; and Zimmer. Paragon Medical, Inc. and Symmetry Medical Inc. also provided donations.
The Orthopaedic Capital Center is part of Grace College’s capital campaign, “Invest in Leadership; Impact the Future.” Begun in 2000, the goal of the seven-year campaign is to raise $40 million. The community center is the last project of Phase One of the campaign. Design Collaborative is the architect on the project.
“This is certainly one of the most exciting times in the history of Grace College,” said Dr. Ronald Manahan, president of Grace College and Seminary. “Grace is grateful to those who have made the Orthopaedic Capital Center possible, and we feel thankful to be able to bring it to our community. We are also excited because if attendance meets projections, this fall we also anticipate the highest enrollment in our history. We feel we are truly blessed!”
Grace College is an evangelical Christian community of higher education that applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. The provisions and programs of the college are designed to encourage serious academic stimulation, wholesome recreation and relaxation, spiritual growth, and development in the social graces.
Grace College seeks to aid individuals to become competent in intellect, expression, physical development, spiritual understanding, Christian conduct, and social conscience. For more information, visit www.grace.edu. 
