Actually Demonstration Hall got renovated about 5 years ago and is now the home for the MSU Marching Band which practices from inside of the building at times. If you walk by the north side of the building, make sure to peek in the windows and you'll see it has been completely rehabbed... so much for the roller skating
I haven't paid much attention, did they do anything with the outside of Demonstration Hall or just the interior? I would really like the exteriors of both buildings be rehabbed to the same quality as some of those old buildings on Grand River that they've fixed up the last few years.
As for Munn, I too would have rather seen a new arena, but on the bright side they are trying to raise $20 million for further renovations, including what sounds like a whole new southern facade. If they continue on piece by piece they could essentially end up with a new arena.
Yeah, I was talking about some of the old North Campus buildings along Grand River Ave that have had their exteriors restored over the past several years. I noted them because I think they did a really good job with them.
MSU has announced that they are planning on building apartments on the former Michigan State Police Headquarters site across from Breslin Center on Harrison Rd.
The cost and details of the project have yet to be determined, but MSU has set an anticipated completion date of 2017. A 2013 strategic plan said that MSU could sustain 250 apartments (I'm not sure if that includes ones already open and operated or 250 new apartments).
My initial thought on this was that I hoped they wouldn't do suburban style housing. I didn't even see those comments about ground floor retail/office space, which is very good to hear. I continue to be impressed by MSU's design decisions around campus, at this point I suppose I shouldn't be doubting them.
I would expect MSU to continue with the urban design. The need and importance of available land has increased since the Hannah years for various reasons, like university development (capital campaigns) and the neighborhoods initiative.
Comments
As for Munn, I too would have rather seen a new arena, but on the bright side they are trying to raise $20 million for further renovations, including what sounds like a whole new southern facade. If they continue on piece by piece they could essentially end up with a new arena.
Which buildings along Grand River are you referencing? I can't think of any outside of Brody Complex that have changed in the last few years.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/campus/2014/09/12/msu-build-apartments-former-state-police-site/15506633/
The cost and details of the project have yet to be determined, but MSU has set an anticipated completion date of 2017. A 2013 strategic plan said that MSU could sustain 250 apartments (I'm not sure if that includes ones already open and operated or 250 new apartments).
link: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports/college/msu/hockey/2014/10/01/msu-announces-munn-arena-upgrades/16531387/
I definitely agree with upgrading Munn instead of building another arena.
I think that will be on the Munn Field side.