EMU Selects Builders for 'Welcome Home 2025' Initiative

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich., recently announced that it will partner with Gilbane Building Company, Gilbane Development, Clark Construction, and AVB Inc. for the three-year, $200-million campus renovation project, according to a news release. The “Welcome Home 2025” initiative consists of the new construction of two new residence halls, as well as renovations to all other campus dorms to improve amenities like HVAC, restrooms, and technology upgrades.

One of the new residence halls, Lakeview Apartments, will be located next to the University’s Student Center, the press release reports. The other, Westview Apartments, will be on the campus’ west side near the university athletic facilities.

“Students are very excited to see this investment in student life and our on-campus experience, and we are proud of the role EMU students played in getting this project off the ground,” said EMU student body president Auryon Azar. “Walking by the construction site is a reminder of what is possible when we advocate for ourselves and work with leaders in our community: we drive progress for everyone.”

Mackey Mitchell Architects and Progressive AE partnered with the university as the architects of record. During the planning and design process, they engaged extensively with university students, faculty, staff, stakeholders, and campus organizations over a four-month period to get input across the vast, diverse population and their needs.

“We at Gilbane Building Company, along with our development team partners, are excited to bring the Welcome Home 2025 vision to life at Eastern Michigan University,” said Lynn Rogien, Gilbane’s area manager. “This very important work will transform student housing for EMU students and will provide multiple opportunities for local trade contractors, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) partners. We look forward to delivering high quality, affordable facilities that will enhance the residential experience of EMU’s students and support the greater mission of Eastern MichiganUniversity as an institution of opportunity for all.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • KWK Architects Announces Full Transition to Lawrence Group Branding

    KWK Architects recently announced that it will complete its transition to the Lawrence Group brand effective July 1, according to a news release. The merger marks the end of a three-year strategic integration process that began in March 2023 to unite the firms.

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.

  • Auburn University Debuts $224M STEM + Agricultural Sciences Complex

    Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., recently opened its new $224-million STEM + Agricultural Sciences Complex, the largest research construction project in the university’s history, according to university news. The facility measures more than 265,000 square feet and brings six departments from the College of Agriculture and College of Sciences and Mathematics together under one roof.

  • nursing students talk while studying in a hallway

    Elsevier Launches VR Simulation Solution for Nursing Students

    Elsevier has introduced Shadow Health Lab with Virtual Reality, a simulation platform that allows nursing students to interact with virtual patients and build clinical judgment skills in a safe, realistic environment.