Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum East Renovation

Cella has been selected to lead a transformative renovation at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, a nationally recognized presidential museum and the burial site of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Located along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the museum is a key civic and cultural landmark. This east-side renovation project focuses on modernizing exterior spaces to better serve visitors, improve accessibility, and strengthen the museum’s connection to the surrounding riverfront and downtown community.

The project includes the removal of a non-functional fountain and reflecting pool, which will be replaced with thoughtfully designed sidewalks, landscaping, and enhanced pedestrian pathways. The updated design prioritizes public space activation, urban landscape design, and long-term site sustainability, creating an inviting, walkable environment that encourages community interaction. By reducing ongoing maintenance needs and improving usability, the renovation supports both operational efficiency and visitor experience.

Seamlessly integrating with Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the new outdoor space will strengthen the connection between the museum and the broader downtown riverfront corridor. This project reflects Cella’s expertise in civic renovations, historic-adjacent construction, and public-facing infrastructure improvements, delivering thoughtful solutions that enhance cultural assets while respecting their legacy and community impact.