Innovation Central Auditorium

Estimated Completion: Spring 2026

Location: 421 Fountain Street NE

Architect: Architektura / SAI / Hamilton

General Contractor: Metal Tech

Budget: $3 million

Funding Source: Reimagine GRPS with Us! Bond

Project Scope: Phase two of the auditorium renovation includes new seating, lighting, and audio equipment.


Construction Blog

Posted 2/17/2026

Final renovation work is underway at the historic Betty Bloomer Ford Auditorium inside Innovation Central High School, marking another exciting milestone in the restoration of this cherished community space.

New house lighting has been installed throughout the auditorium, enhancing visibility while preserving the character of the space. The original wood flooring beneath the seating area has been carefully refinished, restoring its warmth and craftsmanship. Installation of new seating is now in progress on both the main floor and balcony, blending modern comfort with the auditorium’s historic design.

In keeping with the commitment to honor the building’s architectural heritage, all 14 original wood entrance doors have been meticulously refinished and reinstalled by the GRPS Facilities Carpentry team. Their detailed work ensures the auditorium’s historic charm remains intact while supporting its continued use for generations of scholars, staff, and community members.

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January 6, 2026

Restore the doors: Facilities team preserves historic auditorium entrances

When the renovated Betty Bloomer Ford Auditorium reopens this year at Innovation Central High School, guests will once again enter through doors that are more than a century old - carefully refurbished by the GRPS facilities team.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – When the renovated Betty Bloomer Ford Auditorium reopens this year at Innovation Central High School, guests will once again enter through doors that are more than a century old - carefully refurbished by the GRPS facilities team.

“The original plan was to replace these doors,” explained Dale Cammenga, GRPS Director of Design, Construction & Renovation. “Salvaging these doors keeps the character of the auditorium - the history and the look.”

The restoration process includes sanding the original wood, applying a fresh stain, and refinishing the existing hardware to honor the craftsmanship of the original design.

“All the work that we're doing in there is to try and preserve the historical significance of the auditorium,” Cammenga said.

Opened in 1911, Innovation Central High School is the oldest continuously operating high school in Michigan. A $40 million renovation completed in 2024 ensures that legacy continues, with major upgrades including 400 restored windows returned to their original size, modern classroom technology, LED lighting, and a new HVAC system.

Phase one of the Betty Bloomer Ford Auditorium renovation, which focused on restoring the architectural features of the historic space, was also completed in 2024. The final phase includes new seating, lighting, and audio equipment, with the auditorium expected to reopen in spring 2026.

Posted 12/5/2025

While some upgrades are easy to see, like the new sound booth, others are happening behind the scenes. Extensive work is taking place on the auditorium’s electrical panels and piping to support enhanced lighting and AV systems. These improvements may not be visible to the audience, but they are critical to ensuring a safer, more reliable, and more dynamic performance experience.

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Posted 10/31/2025

  • New Stairs to stage (both side)
  • New Sound Booth is framed
  • Electrical Rough-In ongoing backstage and in Attic
  • Old Fire and House Curtains to be replaced
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Posted 7/10/2025

The existing seating has been removed to make way for new construction work, bringing us one step closer to a modernized and more comfortable space for performances. In addition, preparations are underway for brand-new house lighting.



Reimagine GRPS News & Announcements

'Reimagine' Vlog: New video of projects at Aberdeen, Innovation Central & Ottawa Hills February 26, 2026
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