Michigan Schools Undergo Construction Projects
YPSILANTI, Mich. — In addition to the $1.6 billion in ongoing construction projects at the University of Michigan, several other higher education facilities in Michigan are undergoing improvement projects that will attract students to the state. Eastern Michigan University (EMU), located in Ypsilanti; Concordia University Ann Arbor; and Washtenaw Community College, also located in Ann Arbor, are all three undergoing major projects this year.
EMU debuted a $90 million science complex — the largest single construction project in the university’s history — about four years ago, followed by the debut of a renovation to Pray-Harrold, EMU’s largest classroom building. The university plans to continue construction with six major projects totaling $14.5 million.
The most expensive of the projects is the $6.3 million renovation of the first floor of the Rackham Building, reported MLive. The renovation will include a complete makeover of the space, including classrooms and common spaces for the exercise science, orthotics and prosthetics, and nutrition departments.
EMU’s Wise Hall is also undergoing a $5.6 million, two-phase renovation. Phase I includes the installation of new windows and new electrical system components, while Phase II will include the installation of a new HVAC system and a renovation of the bathrooms.
EMU is also investing more than $1.21 million in safety enhancements, adding security cameras and other devices and systems. The university will also be adding $875,000 in classroom technology upgrades such as audiovisual equipment, flat-screen televisions and infrastructure support at Porter and Strong Halls. It will also spend $150,000 for new paint, flooring and architectural upgrades at Putnam Hall as well as $400,000 for surfacing and installing a gated cul-de-sac at Ainsley Drive.
Two large construction projects are also in the works at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), with one other still in the planning process, according to MLive. The school’s Kreft Center for the Arts is undergoing a major $4.5 million renovation. Cardinal Stadium, which serves the university’s football and soccer teams, is also undergoing a $5 million revamp that will add Pro-Grass synthetic turf and give the football team a permanent home field. Concordia board members also approved a $7.5 million expansion and remodel of the Concordia Field House.
In April 2015, Washtenaw Community College, located between EMU and CUAA, approved spending $1 million to repair the roof at the Student Center. The project includes a $388,000 to replace the Student Center skylight and $531,748 for bridge and roof replacement.