Part of university’s campus master plan, projects aimed at enhancing student life, amenitieson traditional, residential campus in Midland, Michigan
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, OCT. 12, 2016 – The recent groundbreaking for Northwood University’s new North Village complex stands as an important event in the university’s history. It marks the unofficial kickoff of Northwood’s targeted initiative to provide an enriched living experience for students at the traditional, four-year residential campus in Midland, Michigan.
“We truly believe in providing our students with what we like to call the ‘Northwood Experience,’” said Keith Pretty, Northwood President and CEO. “Our goal is to give them exemplary experiences, not only in the classroom, but also outside of the traditional learning space.”
The new, $14 million North Village construction project is just one effort to upgrade and refresh housing on campus over the next two years. Existing residence halls will undergo facelifts, with updates ranging from fresh paint, lighting and flooring, to new furniture and many renovations. The changes are part of the university’s ambitious master campus plan, which is supported entirely by philanthropic efforts. All capital improvements at Northwood are self-funded, and the school accepts no state or federal funding.
“This commitment makes us accountable and drives us to work hard every day to make sure our students’ needs are met,” Pretty said. “Student housing is a crucial part of the overall college experience. Successful, well-rounded students need an enriching living environment – one in which they feel at home and can comfortably study, relax and socialize.”
Slated to open in fall 2017, the new North Village Apartments will feature one, two and four bedroom units, with a total of 162 bedrooms in 49 separate apartments. The rooms will feature open-concept floor plans, kitchens with granite countertops, and new appliances. Updates to existing residence halls started in late April and will continue on a section-by-section basis for the next few years. The most notable of these updates will be in the Naegele Village facility, which will be repainted and receive new siding and stairwells in addition to new furniture.
The university also will be giving its oldest residence apartments a facelift. Built in 1963, the South Village buildings will undergo a refresh to become more comfortable and appealing to students. In addition, suites in Miner and Dubois residence halls are undergoing restroom renovations.
And, while not a residence facility, the cafeteria’s common areas will be reconfigured with new furniture to give students the ability to dine outside of the cafeteria. The space also will feature new collaborative gaming and television areas with comfortable seating.
A project started this year to bring more reliable electrical power across campus will continue until January 2017. The university recently installed a new, more efficient power option to support heating and cooling systems for the Hall of Fame, Church Family Administration and NADA buildings. Updates to the aging electrical infrastructure have made operations more sustainable and cost effective.
Even before these changes, visitors to the Northwood University campus have seen the ambitious campus master plan in progress. The university has completed construction on its new Riepma Arena, named for its late, longtime football coach, Pat Riempa, and the new Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management building.
“Even though our campus will be dotted with construction barriers and backhoes throughout this school year, it’s worth it as we follow this journey which enhances our Northwood Experience for everyone on campus,” Pretty said.
For more information about Northwood University visit www.northwood.edu or call 800.622.9000.
