Here’s a guide to Michigan’s major campus construction projects
Modern college campuses in Michigan often undergo a lot of construction to strengthen infrastructure, improve student life, modernize athletic facilities, and more.
But some national experts say the major annual projects may become less frequent and rarer, given slowing student growth and tighter budgets. The emerging trend may be toward renovations of existing facilities – rather than new construction.
“After a decade in which expansion outpaced enrollment,” growth has slowed, construction information firm Gordian said in its latest annual report on the state of the industry.
“Growth has stagnated for the third year in a row, a clear sign that institutions are recognizing the importance of restraint in the face of numerous future indicators,” the report concluded. “Institutional investment in existing buildings has recovered with 33% growth, but inflationary pressures and wage increases have increased the cost of maintaining existing facilities by almost 20%.”
Here are some of the most significant new construction and major renovations on campuses across the state that are currently underway and will be nearly completed this fall:
Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti
Name of the construction project: Welcome home: Campus life redefined
Driving force behind the project: Completion of the $200 million investment in the construction of two new apartment-style housing units, renovation of all on-campus residence halls (except Wise Hall, which was renovated in 2017), and demolition of four residence halls.
Goal of the project: Create apartment-style living spaces for students.
Estimated costs: 200 million US dollars
Completed so far: 99%
Estimated completion date: August 2024, some restoration work will last until November.
Wayne State University in Detroit
Name of the construction project: Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center
Driving force behind the project: Renovation of the former Hilberry Theater and conversion into the performance space of the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center.
Goal of the project: The hall was designed specifically for jazz performances. It will host high-profile concerts and will be equipped with a high-tech audio system and two Steinway grand pianos. The project also includes the renovation of the studio theater in the basement of the Hilberry Theater to create an intimate performance space, jam sessions, workshops and jazz films, among other activities.
Estimated costs: The Jazz Center is the second phase of the Hilberry Gateway project, which has a total cost of $69.5 million.
Completed so far: 95%
Estimated completion date: August 2024
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Name of the construction project: Glenn E. Schembechler Hall Team Locker Room Renovation
Driving force behind the project: This project will involve renovating approximately 13,000 square feet to create expanded locker rooms, make improvements to the locker, shower and team areas, and create gender-equitable locker rooms for both student-athletes and staff.
goal of the project: Glenn E. Schembechler Hall is the home of the Michigan football team. Originally built in 1990, it was renovated in 2009 and is used for team training during and outside of football season.
Estimated costs: 14 million US dollars
Estimated completion date: Summer 2024
Michigan State University at East Lansing
Name of the construction project: Conversion of a clinical center for biomedical animal resources
Driving force behind the project: This project will convert an existing imaging suite in the clinical center to accommodate large animal imaging using new MRI and PET scanning equipment. New animal holding rooms will be constructed while existing equipment is removed and replaced.
Goal of the project: The aim is to develop a joint research facility to promote the growth of biomedical research using state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
Estimated costs: 11.2 million US dollars
Completed so far: 25% (as of June 2024
Estimated completion date: November 2024
Oakland University-Rochester
Name of the construction project: Renovation and expansion of the South Foundation Hall
Driving force behind the project: Renovation and extension of a main classroom building.
Goal of the project: Most of the campus’s students attend their classes in this building while studying in Oakland.
Estimated costs: 40 million US dollars
Completed so far: 95%
Estimated completion date: September 2024
Contact Matthew Dolan: 313-223-4743 or [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @matthewsdolan
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