Virginia Mason Names Building For Diabetes-Study Benefactors

After receiving a $3.5 million donation from the Benaroya Foundation, Virginia Mason has renamed its new medical research building the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason.

The gift, announced during groundbreaking for the building Thursday, will establish a fund to advance the study of diabetes.

The Benaroya family has long supported Virginia Mason and its work in treating diabetes, a spokeswoman said. Larry Benaroya is a member of the research center's board of directors. His wife, Sherry, is a member of the Virginia Mason Health Systems Board and the hospital's Women's Advisory Council.

The $32 million research building, with more than 100,000 square feet of laboratory space, is scheduled to open in spring 1999 next to the Virginia Mason Medical Center on First Hill near downtown Seattle.

Virginia Mason also said Thursday that the library in the Benaroya Research Institute will be named for Seattle residents Ernest and Roberta Gadberry. He is a retired lithographer, and she is a gardener and community volunteer.

Lisa Pemberton-Butler's phone message number is 206-464-2342. Her e-mail address is: lpem-new@seatimes.com