Trustees set 2015-16 rates for new residence hall complex

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Acting at their July 23 meeting, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees set room rates for WMU's new residence halls that will open in fall 2015.

Effective for fall 2015, double room rates for the new residence halls in the Center Residential Neighborhood will be set at $5,599 annually for the academic year. The rate is for room only, and board rates will be set in the spring when room and board rates for all other campus residence halls are set.

About the Center Residential Neighborhood

The new halls, now under construction in an area of campus where Bigelow and Hoekje Halls once stood, are expected to accommodate approximately 750 students. Since the halls are designed primarily for incoming students, room rates were set now so that students applying for fall 2015 would have an idea of the cost of the new residence halls and time to decide and plan for that expense.

The design of the new housing complex is intended to build multiple levels of community engagement and facilitate academic success. The new residence halls are designed to offer environmentally conscious features and encourage socialization through the purposeful use of public areas and abundant green space.

The residential wings in the buildings are referred to as "houses." They will extend out from the central common space in three directions. Each house is organized around a central entrance lobby that features balcony space surrounding a hearth. Other public spaces include lounge and laundry spaces and an open-air terrace.

The houses will have shared amenities such as centrally private restrooms, kitchens, study spaces and living rooms. The facilities, which are being built to LEED Silver certification levels, will also have third-floor laundry facilities, central heating, air conditioning and a number of safety and security features.

In addition to the new halls, WMU also operates 20 other residence halls, four apartment-style complexes and one residential complex. In fall 2013, 5,695 students lived on campus and 95 percent of first-year students chose to live in residence halls.

Related articles
WMU begins STARS sustainability initiative with 'gold' rating | July 23, 2014
Trustees agree to extension on Cole-Gilmore property | July 23, 2014