Ongoing OU construction projects transform campus

By Katie Land, news editor

Construction crews at work on the Elliott Carillon Tower and the engineering center have transformed campus.

The once-familiar Oakland University skyline is now changing rapidly, thanks to numerous student-centered construction projects that are currently underway.

The projects include construction of a 1,240-space parking structure, a state-of-the-art engineering center, a nearly $30 million student housing complex, a new recreation and athletic complex, and a new headquarters for facility and grounds maintenance operations.

Additionally, construction has begun on a 151-foot carillon tower, which was made possible by a generous gift from longtime university benefactors Hugh and Nancy Elliott.

“All of the projects are on schedule,” said Terry Stollsteimer, associate vice president for Facilities Management.

“Currently, the new engineering center, housing center, and carillon tower are being worked on. This August, work on the new parking structure, facilities building and upper fields will begin. All of the projects are on schedule and will be complete by Sept. 1, 2014.”

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.

The new recreation and athletic complex will be located in the upper fields and will be constructed in two phases. In August, the area will be leveled and covered in gravel for use as temporary parking during the 2013-14 academic year.