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| Student housing complex |
The face of Oakland University will change dramatically over the next few years, spurred on by numerous student-centered construction projects approved by the Board of Trustees.
The projects, all slated for a fall 2014 completion, include construction of a 1,240-space parking structure, a new recreation and athletic complex, a nearly $30 million student housing complex and a new headquarters for facility and grounds maintenance operations.
These initiatives are among the student body’s most-desired projects, according to Benjamin Eveslage, student liaison to the board.
“The housing, parking, and upper play fields proposals are altogether a well-coordinated plan that addresses the largest student concerns, some of which have been building-up over the past several years,” Eveslage said.
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| Engineering Center |
“These improvements will greatly contribute to student life, the growth of our university, and the value every graduate holds in their diploma. I am glad to be a student at OU, at a point where OU is changing its game and improving in so many new ways.”
All told, these construction projects will significantly transform Oakland’s 1,443-acre campus in Rochester, which is home to exceptional academic and student life programs that have stimulated a 37 percent increase in student enrollment over 15 consecutive years of growth.
“We believe that what southeastern Michigan and the state as a whole need most now is renewed
investment in the resources that will enable us to
thrive in the 21st century,” said Oakland University
President Gary Russi.
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| 1,240-space parking structure |
“Our most valuable resources are the young people who will soon assume leadership of our collective future. We believe the investment we’re making today will inspire them to work toward great successes that will undoubtedly be of tremendous benefit to all of us in years to come.”
The plan for new facilities comes on the heels of several big campus improvements. Last fall saw the completion of Oakland’s nearly 172,825-square-foot
Human Health
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| Recreation and athletic complex |
Building, followed by the groundbreaking for a 127,000-square-foot Engineering Center, and the recent approval of plans for a 151-foot carillon tower, which was made possible by a generous gift from longtime university benefactors Hugh and Nancy Elliott.
Approved in concept by the Board of Trustees last December, the new student housing complex will welcome more than 500 resident students. It will also incorporate The Honors College and classrooms, a small cafe, and space for student meetings and private and group studying.
“With these projects, the board is tackling some of students’ biggest concerns, and it is wonderful to
know that they are enhancing the OU experience,”
said Samantha Wolf, president of Oakland University
Student
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| The Elliott Carillon Tower |
Congress.
“I am most excited for the housing project. As a student who has lived on campus for my whole college experience, I can say that it really has made my time at OU the best it could be. I know that with more housing opportunities, more students will fall in love with OU the way I did.”
The new outdoor recreational and athletic facilities will accommodate NCAA Division I athletic events including tennis, and track and field meets; club and intramural sports competitions, and a variety of fitness and recreational activities welcoming university students, faculty, staff and community visitors.
Oakland’s second parking structure will include four levels and provide a net gain of 930 spaces
conveniently located near seven
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| Facilities management building |
academic buildings. In total, the project will result in a better-than 10 percent boost in available parking on campus.
“Offering students a welcoming, engaging and inspiring setting in which to pursue their college studies will motivate them to fully immerse themselves in the learning process,” said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.
“A college education should be a life-changing experience for students, and I’m confident that addressing their needs and aspirations with these new facilities will make attending Oakland even more rewarding.”
To view a map locating each project on campus, click
here. To learn more about Oakland University, view the website at
oakland.edu.
