Eastern Michigan University is giving Roosevelt Hall some much-needed love as the university moves forward with plans to expand the century-old building as part of broader modernization efforts across campus.
The project, formally titled the Engineering and Technology Complex - Phase II: Advanced Technology Center, is part of a long-term effort to modernize facilities within the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.
EMU is seeking $42.5 million in state capital outlay funding for the project. According to university officials, the project received approval from the State of Michigan in late 2023, with an official approval letter arriving in January of 2024. Since then, the university has remained in the design phase.
“We are hopeful to receive the budget allocation from the state before the end of July," said Walter Kraft, the university's vice president of communications. "We're on hold until that happens, but we’re continuing to work on the design process so that we’re ready to go as soon as the funding materializes.”
Under the proposed schedule, the design period would continue through July 2026, followed by state review and approval between August and September 2026. Bidding and permitting would take place in September and October 2026, with construction beginning in November.
According to information from Kraft, construction would be completed by the summer of 2028, with the building fully operational by the fall 2028 semester.
The Roosevelt Hall renovation represents the second phase of EMU’s broader Engineering and Technology Complex plan. The first phase focused on renovation and expansion of Sill Hall, a $40 million project completed in 2020.
“With both phases of the GACET Master Plan, the College will create a ‘micro campus’ for engineering and technology students, encouraging cross-discipline collaboration and giving an identity to the students and their programs,” Kraft said in an email.
Kraft also noted that aviation programs have experienced a 17% enrollment increase over the last five years because of a growing global pilot shortage, while cybersecurity and information technology programs have also expanded significantly.
Kraft said Roosevelt Hall will primarily house programs within the College of Engineering and Technology, which includes aviation. He said the exact programs that will occupy the building will be confirmed after renovation.
Roosevelt Hall was first built in 1924 and last renovated in 1973. Condition assessments identified Roosevelt Hall as one of the university's facilities most in need of renovation, with nearly $12.6 million in deferred maintenance needs.
“I think the modernization that will take place is important to the university,” Kraft said. “I believe all efforts along that route will make sure it’s student-centered, student-focused, and serves our students."
While construction has not yet begun, Kraft said the university is continuing design work and moving forward with optimism as it awaits the state’s funding decision.
