Regents Approve Student Housing Design
April 2007
The Board of Regents of the University of Michigan at its April meeting approved the design of a student housing project for the Flint campus.
The project includes an approximately 100,000 gross square feet residence hall with 310 beds and living-learning spaces on the first floor. The facility is different from the traditional dormitory buildings found on many college campuses. It will feature one-, two- and four-bedroom units, including handicapped-accessible units. All units will contain one or two bathrooms, a kitchen, and living room.
“This beautiful, state-of-the-art housing for students will enhance the campus while helping UM-Flint achieve its goal of increasing enrollment,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman.
The Regents originally approved the UM-Flint Student Housing Facility project and the appointment of Neumann/Smith & Associates for its design at the October 2006 meeting. The firm specializes in designing residence halls for a number of major state universities.
“The affirmative vote on Flint housing is exciting for the Flint campus, the Flint community, and for the University of Michigan. It is exciting for me as a regent and, especially as someone who lives in and cares about the Flint community,” said U-M Regent Libby Maynard. “University housing in downtown Flint will be a part of the vitality of downtown and beyond."
The estimated cost of the project is $21,300,000. Funding will be provided from University of Michigan-Flint resources, gifts and grants. Construction is scheduled to be completed in summer 2008.
The site for the project is Parking Lot G, which comprises approximately 5.25 acres, and is situated on the southern edge of the campus adjacent to First Street and Willson Park. The new residence hall will feature a 24/7 staffed entry way, with special cards that will be required for entrance into the building. A manual is being developed which will outline all policies and expectations including health and wellness guidelines. Additional requirements are being studied that may be needed, and those additions will be in place by August 2008.
“While it has been discussed for several years, the reality of on-campus student housing will now allow the University to attract students from beyond its traditional commuter range,” said Acting Chancellor Jack Kay. “In addition, it will help change the character, and transform the campus by enriching student lives in a variety of academic and non-academic ways.”
UM-Flint adopted a strategic plan to grow enrollment from 6,500 students to 8,000 students by 2010. A key element of this plan is to create the option for a residential experience for its students.