U-M opens newly refurbished Mosher-Jordan dorm

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 | Source: Concentrate

Living on the University of Michigan's campus is about to become much more comfortable, starting with the Mosher-Jordan (aka MoJo) dorm.

U-M is ready to reopen the residence hall on the Hill area of the campus now that the building has been renovated and a newly expanded dining hall added. The $65.1 million project is the first splash in a tidal wave of student-living improvements (both public and private) that is scheduled to wash over the college town in the next few years.

The most visible improvement is the creation of the Hill Dining Center attached to Mosher-Jordan, overlooking Palmer Field. The 35,000-square-foot space is surrounded by large windows, providing panoramic views of the campus.

The dining hall will serve students of the numerous dorms on the Hill. It is divided into two eateries on two levels: The Marketplace (lower level) is similar to a traditional cafeteria that seats up to 638 people. The Victors (upper level) is similar to a convenience store, allowing up to 72 customers to grab to-go items like gourmet coffee or pizza and eat there or on an outdoor patio.

Mosher-Jordan also has been completely upgraded, featuring amenities like air-conditioning and high-speed WiFi --amenities that weren't available to the 1930's built residence hall for women.

The building has been completely updated and renovated, replacing or refurbishing fire suppression systems, bath facilities, elevators, furniture, plumbing, heating and ventilation.

This has was all done while preserving the structure's classic architectural style and adornments, such as wood paneling, plaster moldings, stained-glass windows, period lighting fixtures and wrought-iron railings. The new carpet, flooring and tiles reflect the building's original décor.

Among the biggest changes to the dorm is the creation of a new central entrance on Observatory Street. This replaces the old loading dock and dining hall kitchen. At each end of the building on the first level are new living rooms and kitchens. A multipurpose classroom replaces the old dinning hall.

This project is part of the university's Residential Life Initiative, which plans to enhance students' campus living experience. Another major project is the new North Quad dorm under construction at the corner of State and Huron streets where the old Ann Arbor High School once stood.

Similarly, a number of private developers are either planning to build or constructing new campus housing, much of it in high-rises in the downtown area. All of these projects will bring hundreds (thousands if all approved) of new homes to the campus.

Source: University of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke