The University of Michigan is putting $116 million greenbacks into what it terms "a deep renovation" of the
East Quadrangle dormitory, also home to the university's Residential College. The 300,000-square-foot residence hall housing 860 students was built in 1941 and last received additions and updates in 1969.
Upgrades include new plumbing, HVAC, and fire detection systems, high speed internet access, and a rehab of the bathrooms and dining facilities. The Residential College will also get more suitable space. Over the years the college has been making do with space not originally intended for academic use; bedrooms morphed into offices and the majority of classrooms are housed in the basement, according to documents from the U-M Board of Regents.
Housing and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts funds and investment proceeds will cover project costs.
Troy, Mich.-based Integrated Design Solutions LLC has been commissioned to do the design work, which has just begun. A construction schedule will be established once the design is approved.
Another recently approved project, albeit on a much smaller scale, is a $1.6 million renovation of
North Hall, headquarters of the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Funding comes from investment proceeds.
Improved plumbing and HVAC systems, an ADA-accessible main entryway, and a unisex lavatory are slated for the circa-1899 building.
Detroit-based SmithGroup is the designer. Construction is expected to be complete by the winter of 2012.
Source: University of Michigan Board of RegentsWriter: Tanya Muzumdar
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