ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Oakland University announced plans to build a 60,000-square-foot student center addition and parking spaces for 660 vehicles this spring.
According to Oakland officials, the current 140,000-square-foot Oakland Center serves as the student union and the center for campus involvement and social engagement, with 1.7 million visits each year.
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The $44 million project, funded by bonds, will add dining space, banquet meeting rooms, offices, a kitchen area and retail space, along with student support and service areas.
Officials hope the renovation will relieve overcrowded conditions that students said is a top concern that affects campus life.
Parking
A $7.2 million plan to expand campus parking will bring 660 additional spaces to seven different lots before next fall.
A new roundabout on Pioneer Drive aims to improve traffic flow. The new parking lots and the roundabout will be paid for with budgeted funds, Kunselman said.
Oakland currently offers 8,000 parking spots for students, employees and visitors.
Students who live on campus can keep a car on campus.
The new parking areas will include new concrete curbs, landscaping, emergency phones and bike racks. University parking will be closely monitored in the future, Kunselman said. Innovations like driverless cars, ride-share apps and Uber-style services could affect the need for parking lots.
Oakland University sophomore Connor Williamson said finding a campus parking spot can be challenging and that students sometimes have to park far away from their classes.