Eastern Michigan University's freshman residence halls are getting a facelift and some energy efficiency and technology improvements in time for fall semester.
The university's First-Year Center, which includes four residence halls and a dining commons, will see a new angled window design, new energy efficient windows and frames, exterior cleaning, new siding, new elevators, and new wireless Internet throughout.
Christopher Longerbeam, project engineer for facilities planning and construction at Eastern Michigan University, says the old aluminum window frames were recycled as part of the project. Not only will the energy efficient aspects bring the building up-to-date, the exterior renovation will give the circa-1960s building a "fresh appearance."
"The University is looking to invest in its facilities to provide the environment for Education First, and we look forward to upgrading and modernizing this highly utilized facility," he says in an e-mail.
The $3.1 million window renovation and the $1 million elevator replacement are in addition to the interior work that took place two years ago, when the First-Year Center was outfitted with new furniture. Next year, the stair towers will be raised above the roofline for a different visual appearance, and entrance canopies will be updated.
In addition to the improvements at the First-Year Center, made up of a total of 600 student rooms, other projects on campus include a science complex addition and remodeling, and renovation of the largest classroom building on campus.
Source: Christopher Longerbeam, project engineer for facilities planning and construction at Eastern Michigan University
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
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