Construction beginning soon on new residence hall for freshman students at Western Michigan University
The current Valley 3 residences will be closed in May and the new residence hall will be built in their place.
Western Michigan University is going to replace the current Valley 3 residences with a new freshman residence hall to be opened in 2026. The university has been undertaking many projects to update and modernize its campus, and this new residence hall for freshman students is coming on the heels of the recent Arcadia Flats project that introduced new housing for upperclassmen and graduate students.
According to an article on Western Michigan University’s website, Dr. Barry Olson, who is the associate vice president for campus life at the university, is quoted as saying that the project will increase accessibility, including “providing fantastic accommodation at an affordable price. Western offers a wide range of housing price points, and we intend to keep our eye on affordability and inclusivity throughout this and future projects. Attractive options for double and single occupancy will be a part of the design.”
Henry Hall, which is currently closed for renovations, will reopen to accommodate students beginning in Fall 2024, until the new residence hall is completed in 2026. Henry Hall is located near many of the on-campus amenities that are convenient for students.
Of the new residence hall, Dr. Olson said, “Western Michigan University is becoming a destination for students who seek vibrant residence halls and a thriving on-campus student experience. This is a prime location for our students and a great starting place for constructing a new, highly attractive home for new students. We envision a space that meets students where they are and allows us the opportunity to manage future needs as they arise. It’s an exciting time to be at Western.”
Arcadia Flats and Western Heights are the two newest residence halls on campus, and both are at almost 100% capacity. This new residence hall will give students more options for on-campus living. Something the university is cognizant of is that many students prefer to live in single rooms, despite double rooms being seen as important to development and successful social lives. The new residence hall is going to be designed to allow both options.
For more information about Western Michigan University, visit the school’s website.