YPSILANTI, Mich. — Eastern Michigan University is spending millions to modernize STEM facilities in its GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology and create a new home for its College of Business on the Ypsilanti campus.
Roosevelt Hall is getting a $42.5 million makeover that expands the 102-year-old building by 10,000 square feet to handle expected GameAbove enrollment growth. State funding will cover $30 million, with EMU funding the remaining $12.5 million. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the $42.5 million authorization for the Roosevelt Hall transformation.
EMU President Brendan Kelly credited Michigan lawmakers, including House Speaker Matt Hall and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, plus Sens. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor and Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. of Ypsilanti Township. The Roosevelt project is expected to finish in 2028 and follows a prior $40 million Sill Hall investment.
Eastern also will break ground on transforming Pierce Hall into the College of Business home, with a celebration set for 4 p.m. Oct. 15. When Pierce reopens next fall it will house about 66 faculty and staff and 1,500 students. Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is a named regional college for Ann Arbor-area readers.
The Swoop Pantry will remain on Pierce Hall’s ground floor. The old downtown Ypsilanti business building was sold to become a medical center. Campus officials said the projects prepare students for aviation, interior design, technology and regional workforce needs.
