Stockwell renovation turns historic U-M dorm coed

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | Source: Concentrate

The University of Michigan's Stockwell Hall is going to be different in more than one way when its renovation wraps up next fall.

U-M plans to turn what has been traditionally a women's dorm into a co-ed facility. The thinking is that demand for all-female housing is dwindling. There are approximately 800 available spaces in all-women residences, but only about half that number of female residents requested such housing.

Making the circa-1940 structure a co-ed building on the Hill area of the university's campus will allow for more flexibility in student housing options. There will still be four other female-oriented dorms on U-M's campus, including Betsy Barbour and Helen Newberry residences, Martha Cook Building and Henderson House.

"We need to rebalance the availability of women's housing to the larger preference for coeducational living," says Linda Newman, interim director of U-M's University Housing. "At the same time, we can increase the availability of single rooms desired by returning students – women and men."

The university recently began renovating Stockwell as part of its Residential Life Initiatives, which is revitalizing and expanding student-living options on campus. The project will preserve the building's Tudor Revival architecture and interior character, while replacing old mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety and elevator systems.

The finished project will feature air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi access, lounges, kitchenettes and remodeled community bathrooms. What was once the dining hall area will be turned into a new community spaces for music practice, recreation and informal performances. Residents will eat the newly opened Hill Dining Center.

Source: University of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke