Western View expansion, community center opens

KALAMAZOO—WMU students are settled in to the newest Western View apartment-style housing complex, which opened as scheduled in August in the West residential neighborhood.

The second-phase expansion added 174 beds to the existing 330-bed complex and also added living spaces for resident managers. Filled to capacity since it initially opened its doors in fall 2011, the entire Western View complex is currently full through summer 2014. The fast-track Phase II construction project began last fall in response to an increasing need for independent student housing options on campus.

Community center completed

Included as part of the expansion, the Western View Community Center opened its doors earlier this month. Residents had the opportunity to view the new facility and meet neighbors and staff at a welcome gathering held Friday, Oct. 4.

Designed to foster engagement and interaction, center amenities include meeting and study rooms, a kitchen area with cooking facilities, a separate fitness room with exercise equipment and an upstairs loft space. Outdoor areas feature gathering spaces equipped with patio furniture, tables and chairs, and a gas fireplace. Recreational equipment includes a sport court with basketball hoops and a volleyball net.

For more information about Western View, visit wmich.edu/housing/westernview. Direct questions to Steven Palmer at steven.palmer@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4465.