Add as a preferred source on Google

Eastern Michigan University Announces $200M in Campus Housing Projects

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/23/22

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich., recently announced that it has finalized a plan to invest $200 million in a series of on-campus housing projects. A university news release reports that the plan involves constructing two new residence halls, demolishing several older ones and renovating every residence hall on campus except one.

“Under our Welcome Home 2025 plan, every residence hall that remains on our campus will be renovated other than Wise Hall, which was renovated in 2017. Plus, we will have two entirely new residence halls that will be stunning in their design,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “The new housing communities will be highly user-friendly and efficient for our students, and they will contribute greatly to the overall vibrancy of our campus environment. As of today, it’s all systems go for the start of this transformational project.”

The university’s Board of Regents approved the lease agreement and other related documents at its regular meeting on Thursday, June 16. The news release reports that design work has been in progress for several months, and construction is scheduled to begin this summer.

Of the two new residence halls, the Lakeview residence hall will have a capacity of 400 and stand on the north side of campus. The new Westview residence hall will replace an existing apartment building slated for demolition and will hold about 300 students. The new constructions and all existing residence halls will feature WiFi capabilities, air conditioning and room layouts that students helped design.

According to a December 2021 news release, the goals of the Welcome Home 2025 plan include keeping housing rates affordable for students; securing a high-quality living experience; and engaging students in both the design and continued management of student housing facilities.

The university is partnering with the Gilbrane Development Company for external financing and project management. A project timeline on the university website sees construction continuing into 2025.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Brightly Software, XOi Partner for New HVAC Data Solution

    Siemens company Brightly Software recently announced a partnership with data intelligence company XOi to integrate real-time HVAC system data into Brightly’s Asset Essentials CMMS, according to a news release. The integration will allow facilities more insight into HVAC system performance, health, and risk across their operations.

  • Embry-Riddle Breaks Ground on New Office Building

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced that construction has begun on a new office building for its campus Research Park, according to a news release. The university partnered with Hoar Construction on the 34,740-square-foot Center for Aerospace Technology II (CAT II), which will be used for research and lab purposes.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • ClassVR headsets

    Avantis Education Revamps Hardware for ClassVR Solution

    Avantis Education recently announced the launch of two new headsets for its flagship educational VR/AR solution, ClassVR. According to a news release, the Xcelerate and Xplorer headsets expand the company’s offerings into higher education while continuing to meet the evolving needs of K–12 users.

Digital Edition