Jackson College Construction Attracts More Students
JACKSON, Mich. — Construction is underway on a new dormitory at Jackson College, while renovations at the school’s Bert Walker Hall are scheduled to start in May.
Ground was broken in September 2014 on Campus View 3, the third student dormitory at the school’s central campus, and work is scheduled for completion in August. Independence, Mo.-based Student Suites Inc. funded the $10 million dorm through private investment bonds. The college will spend about $500,000 for furnishings and an additional $400,000 for technology, reported MLive. Indianapolis-based CPM Construction is serving as the project’s general contractor, while Overland Park, Kan.-based Hollis + Miller Architects is the architect.
Jackson College pursued the project to provide more on-campus housing space for students since both existing dorms are currently full and some students were put on a waiting list this past fall. The additional housing space will attract more students and, in turn, mean more revenue for the school.
The new four-story dormitory will include 202 beds — 200 for students and two suites for managers. It will feature two- and four-bedroom units with one restroom for every two bedrooms, a living area, and a mini-fridge and microwave in place of a full kitchen.
Safety was built into every level and unit within the building, which was designed to be energy efficient and also features a pitched roof — important in Michigan winters. The facility is fully handicapped accessible, with two elevators, common study spaces, lounge areas and two laundry rooms. It also features state-of-the-art technology and will be Internet- and cable-ready, according to Marilynn Fryer, a spokesperson for the university.
The project is still on schedule for completion in August, despite the cold Michigan weather that has caused some challenges and delays during the construction process, Fryer added.
Renovation has yet to begin on the college’s Bert Walker Hall project, but work is scheduled to start in May after the current semester finishes. Walker Hall is the last of the Central Campus’ original academic buildings (built over 40 years ago) to be renovated, Fryer said.
The existing building will be completely upgraded, with modern classrooms, student spaces and the addition of a second elevator. Additional space will be added on the north end to allow two large lecture and community areas, with the south side to be renovated to create an outdoor, canopied terrace area for students. It will feature all new mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, and new exterior windows and doors.
The college’s student services, Center for Student Success, and administrative and dean’s offices will be relocated out of Walker Hall starting in March to make way for renovations, which are expected to take 18 months, MLive reported. Stantec, with offices across Michigan, is serving as the architect on the project; Ann Arbor, Mich.-based OX Studio is the designer; and locally based RW Mercer is the construction manager.
The second phase of renovations to Jackson College’s W.J. Maher Campus in Blackman Township are also underway and expected to be completed by the end of March, according to MLive. The work is being funded through gifts to the Jackson College Foundation and rent payments from current occupants. The project will add three classrooms, science space, breakout rooms, a student lounge and patio, and upgraded faculty lounge. The foundation purchased the building in 2012.