Campus construction projects enhancing safety, accessibility and green space
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is undergoing a series of major construction projects throughout the late summer and fall, including a new pedestrian bridge, a new parking structure and the demolition of older facilities to create a new residence hall and additional green space.
"It's an exciting time to be on campus for students, faculty and staff. It's fun to play a small part in improving our facilities to ensure student success," says John E. Seelman, Western’s director of engineering for the Office of Facilities Management.
View summer construction projects
Improving visibility and safety
An ongoing project on Ring Road South, between the Howard Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Miller Auditorium parking structure, aims to improve visibility at two pedestrian crosswalks. By the time students return to campus, the existing hill is expected to be cut back and enhanced with a natural stone retaining wall. The project was informed by student input, emphasizing the need for better sight lines in the area.
Added pedestrian bridge, parking and loop roads
Work continues on a new, five-story parking structure between Moore Hall and Arcadia Flats Apartments. Estimated completion for the structure is mid fall semester. It will provide more than 350 spaces. Two floors are designated for Arcadia Flats resident parking, while all the other parking spaces in the structure will operate on a pay-by-plate basis for students, employees and visitors. Pay stations will be conveniently located within the structure. Built with sustainability in mind, it features 20 new electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient lighting, bicycle parking and dedicated spaces for energy-efficient vehicles.
In addition to the structure, this latest development phase will include the creation of Loop Road, which will run from the Ring Road near Read Fieldhouse to the student center and parking structure and back to the Ring Road west of Arcadia Flats.
The new road will frame the “viewshed,” a green space that provides for passive recreation and a view of the student center from Stadium Drive. This viewshed expands green space and creates new, accessible pathways between the Student Recreation Center and the newly renovated Dunbar Hall that supports mobility for all users. A pedestrian bridge being installed provides safe and elevated crossing over traffic on the newly constructed road between Arcadia Flats and Moore Hall.
The new pedestrian bridge, delivered and erected in late July, connects Arcadia Flats over the newly constructed road. The project, which includes accessibility features such as curb cuts, is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Valley 3 demolition extends to fall
Demolition of the Valley 3 residence hall complex began in early July, making way for a new structure focused on first-year students and shared common areas. Once demolition is complete later this fall, site will be turned over for the construction of the new residence hall, which is expected to welcome students in the fall of 2026.
Green space replaces Bernhard Center
The 65-year-old Bernhard Center closed its doors in July 2023, following the opening of the new WMU Student Center. After its closure, the building was occasionally used for public safety training exercises. Contractors have since removed hazardous waste and rerouted utilities. Demolition started in July and is expected to last into the fall. Upon completion, the site will return to green space with new pedestrian walks between the Hall Archer Pickard residence halls and the Student Center.
These projects represent a significant transformation of WMU's campus, enhancing facilities and creating a more sustainable and accessible environment for students and staff.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.