This semester, Pierce Hall will undergo renovations to house Eastern Michigan University's College of Business.
“The ultimate goal is to establish Pierce Hall as a centralized, modern home for Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business, bringing the college back to the heart of campus." Brittany Mobley, a senior media relations specialist at the EMU Division of Communications, told The Eastern Echo in an email. "The renovation is designed to blend Pierce Hall’s historic legacy with contemporary, high-impact learning spaces that support collaboration, professional development, student success, and greater visibility for the College of Business. Long-term, the project also aims to strengthen campus integration and encourage philanthropic investment in this iconic building.”
“Pierce Hall is one of EMU’s most historic buildings, constructed in 1948 and named after John D. Pierce, Michigan’s first superintendent of public instruction. The renovation preserves this legacy while positioning the space for future growth,” Mobley said.
"The main floor of the building will be renovated to include two computer labs, executive training center, student gathering and organization spaces, and administrative offices, said Walter Kraft, EMU vice president of communications, in an article on EMUToday.”
Design work for the first phase of the renovation began October 2025 and construction was scheduled to begin in January 2026. The renovated facility is expected to be completed by the start of the fall 2027 semester.
Mobley explained that those renovations are considered phase one of this project, and phase two, including renovations to the upper floors and a new atrium, will follow as timing and funding allow.
Construction takes place behind the green fences outside of Pierce Hall Jan. 8, 2026.
College of Business
The College of Business will continue to operate in Hill Hall until phase one construction is finished, Mobley said.
"University leaders hope the project will increase excitement, visibility, and donor support for the college,” Mobley said.
These new renovations will benefit business students in many ways, Mobley said, including the following:
- A centralized, easily accessible College of Business on the main campus
- New business-specific classrooms as well as study and coworking spaces
- Enhanced academic and career advising
- Increased opportunities for collaboration, networking and professional preparation
- Elimination of the need for transportation to off-campus business facilities
"Overall, the renovation is expected to significantly enhance the student experience and sense of belonging for business students,” Mobley said.
Swoop’s Pantry
Swoop's Pantry, EMU's campus food pantry, is housed in Pierce Hall. Colton Ray, a graduate assistant, works at Swoop's Pantry.
"We don't know too much about the project plans, but we do not anticipate the project impacting pantry services or hours," Ray said in an email.
Swoop's will be open Monday noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. during the winter 2026 semester, he added. The only change is that shoppers will need to enter and exit through the door that has the Swoop's logo on it.
In a welcome back email sent to students, the Swoop’s Pantry team wrote, “EMU is renovating Pierce Hall this year. We do not anticipate this affecting Pantry hours and operations, but please be mindful of the work occurring and what zones are restricted. The main building entrance is closed, but the direct Pantry entrance & exit facing the street (College Place), across from Pease Auditorium remains open.”
As of January 2026, the Pierce Hall door reading "Swoop's" will remain open and is the preferred door for those looking to visit Swoop's Pantry during the Pierce Hall construction. (Courtesy of Swoop's Pantry)
