Kalamazoo Times

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.

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.

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 for student and employee permit holders, as well as parking visitors. 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 Ring Road near Read Fieldhouse to the student center and parking structure and back to Ring Road west of Arcadia Flats.

The new road will frame the “viewshed,” a green space that provides 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 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 was delivered and erected in late July; it connects Arcadia Flats over the newly constructed road. The project includes accessibility features such as curb cuts and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Demolition of Valley 3 residence hall complex began in early July, making way for a new structure focused on first-year students with shared common areas. Once demolition is complete later this fall, site will be turned over for constructing a new residence hall expected to welcome students in fall 2026.

The 65-year-old Bernhard Center closed its doors in July 2023 following opening of WMU Student Center. After its closure building was occasionally used for public safety training exercises. Contractors have since removed hazardous waste rerouted utilities Demolition started in July expected last into fall Upon completion site return green space with new pedestrian walks between Hall Archer Pickard residence halls Student Center

These projects represent significant transformation WMU's campus enhancing facilities creating more sustainable accessible environment students staff

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