There are rumors that the Foundation's Global Health Program may take over the site

The Ann Arbor Pfizer site remains a hot community topic these days as rumors soar about potential interest in the real estate.  One of the top executives of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Tadataka Yamada, made a "passing" comment regarding the Ann Arbor site during a live presentation and webcast last week.  Pfizer spokespeople continue to deny any imminent deals on the table.  Tadataka’s comment was construed as a ‘what-if’ scenario.  Pfizer suggests it will be a long time before they find a suitable replacement for the site.

According to Michelle Milford (via mlive.com),  on behalf of the deputy director of public affairs for the Gates foundation’s Global Health Program:

 "Dr. Yamada was making a general point about the importance of pharmaceutical companies investing in research to benefit global health, he used the Ann Arbor facility as an example. There are no definite plans for the facility at this stage."

The Global Health Program is the international arm of the $38.7 billion foundation and is committed to developing and delivering low-cost, life-saving health tools.  Dr. Tadataka’s ties to Ann Arbor are strong as he formerly held the position of physician-in-chief at the U-M Medical Center.

To date, the only confirmed use of a small fraction of Pfizer’s space is a two-year lease by the University of Michigan for the 13,000 sqft child care center.   

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