Michigan University Approves $5.8M in Housing Renovations

The Board of Control at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in University Center, Mich., recently approved $5.8 million in renovations to campus residence halls, according to local news. The Board approved the funds during its regular meeting on Dec. 16, citing the title of “best dorms” among all public U.S. universities that it’s won for the past four years from the website Niche.

The Board approved $3.8 million in renovations to Pine Grove apartments, which were built in 1986, and $2 million in renovations to Tranquil Hall, built in 1971. Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin in May 2023, local news reports.

In the same meeting, the Board also voted to approve $400,000 to improve flooring in Ryder Center. It also formally approved renovations to Brown Hall, on which some preliminary work has already begun. Construction on that project will begin in May 2024. The State of Michigan is contributing $21.8 million in state funds, and SVSU is contributing $7 million.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • Countway Library at Harvard Medical School

    From Shadows to Sanctuary: The Transformation of Light at Countway Library

    The renovation of Countway Library at Harvard Medical School demonstrates how biophilic design and advanced lighting strategies transformed a formerly dark, insular space into a vibrant, welcoming hub that supports wellness, learning, and community engagement.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.