CMU completes first phase of Anspach's $14.1 million renovation project

Central Michigan University has completed the first phase of a two-year, $14.1 million renovation of Anspach Hall this summer. Averaging 25,000 students a week, Anspach Hall is the most used building on CMU’s campus. College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences Dean Pamela Gates says the renovations will help to modernize CMU’s busiest building, which has not been renovated since its $2.4 million construction in 1966.

 

“Everything from the classrooms, hallways, bathrooms and faculty offices will be changed to bring this building up-to-date,” Gates said.

 

The renovation includes updating classroom technology and furniture, making the building more easily accessible to the disabled; upgrading the lighting to more energy efficient light-emitting diode lights; and installing a new high-tech heating, ventilation and cooling system to better control indoor temperatures in the most cost-efficient way. The floors will have focal point designs that will make navigating throughout the building easier for those who have visual impairments.

 

Beyond serving thousands of students every day with modern facilities, the renovations are part of CMU’s sustainability efforts to become more energy efficient while better accommodating students with physical disabilities and visual impairments, Project Manager Steve Esch said.

 

“This is the first major change in Anspach since it was built in the mid-1960s,” Esch said. “These changes will provide a more comfortable learning experience for students and save CMU almost $50,000 a year in energy costs.”

 

Upgrades made to two Anspach auditoriums will allow them to be used as large venues for speaking engagements.

 

“We need more places on campus where you can seat at least 300 people,” Gates said. “With those two rooms being remodeled, this building can now be used to bring in more speakers who can help further our students’ education.”

 

CMU has more than 150 campus projects this summer that include major upgrades to the Dow Science Complex, Foust Hall and Moore Hall. CMU also is carrying out major upgrades to the Towers health clinic and dining room, as well as an annual project that adds new furniture, paint, flooring, lighting and window coverings to 10 academic spaces each year. 

 

The second phase of the Anspach Hall renovations will begin next summer. New roofing, more wheelchair-accessible entrances and a new student lounge will be added to the building.