Baker board OKs new culinary arts facility for downtown Muskegon

September 26, 2007
Baker College
MiBiz

The Baker College of Muskegon Board of Regents Tuesday gave final approval to invest approximately $11 million in a new culinary arts facility in downtown Muskegon.

“This approval marks the formal beginning of an 18-month construction process that will ultimately deliver a state-of-the-art culinary training facility that will rival the nation’s best,” said Rick E. Amidon Ph.D., Baker College of Muskegon president. “Given the program’s phenomenal growth and increasing recognition, continued quality in instruction and facilities are critical to its ongoing success. We have simply outgrown our current culinary arts facilities and need significant improvements to meet the standards and expectations of our competitors and students.”

“We are truly bringing the culinary arts school of the future to Baker College,” said Alex Erdmann CMC, Baker College of Muskegon dean of culinary arts. “Our vision is to build a facility that can accommodate substantial growth and enhance Baker’s position as a leader in culinary arts education. When the facility is complete, it will be unique to the Midwest and compare favorably to the best schools in the country.”

The Baker College of Muskegon board approved a plan that will relocate the culinary arts program to a 39,000-square-foot stand-alone facility in downtown Muskegon. The cost of land acquisition, construction, infrastructure, furnishings and equipment is estimated at $11 million. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early spring 2008, and the building is expected to be ready for fall 2009 classes.

Clifford Buck Construction Company Inc. is the project’s general contractor, with Bosma Architects & Associates PC providing architectural design. Both are Muskegon-based businesses.

“Baker is pleased to be a major part of the effort to revitalize downtown Muskegon,” Amidon said. “This commitment is consistent with our overall guiding principles of building a strong image and lasting relationships in the community. The project’s benefits will be demonstrated over the long-term as we become the anchor for downtown Muskegon, and through our ability to expand program enrollment, increase degree options and market the program internationally.”

Baker College of Muskegon’s total enrollment stands at more than 5,000 students. The culinary arts program was launched in 1997 when Baker moved to its present location at 1903 Marquette Avenue. The program has been a success from the beginning as enrollment has grown from approximately 40 students on an annual basis (fall, winter, spring) to more than 300 students. Four business administration degree options are currently offered:

· Baking and pastry certificate
· Culinary arts associate of business degree
· Food and beverage management associate of business degree
· Food and beverage management bachelor of business administration

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a non-profit higher education institution, serving more than 35,000 students on 12 campuses and in four satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields. As a career college, the Baker College system is proud to have achieved a graduate employment rate of 98 percent.

This article appeared in the Sept 26, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.