Aug. 29, 2024
Ferris State planning residence hall attached to football stadium to provide unmatched student experience
Ferris State University students will soon be able to watch the football games from the comfort of their residence hall rooms as the school plans an innovative living center attached to the Bulldog’s Top Taggart Field.
This is a conceptual drawing of a future residence hall on the Ferris State University Big Rapids campus. It will be attached to the north end of the football stadium, Top Taggart Field.
Ferris State President Bill Pink said the new residence hall is part of an effort to update student living spaces. The state-of-the-art facility will wrap around the stadium just beyond the north end zone.
“This new living space puts students right in the heart of the action at Ferris State University,” Pink said. “We are creating an unmatched student experience in our residence halls to accompany the work we’ve done in our classrooms. This will be a state-of-the-art facility with all the modern conveniences students today are looking for, with the added benefit of being attached to an entertainment complex that will host events throughout the year. These students will truly have the best seat in the house.”
Pink said the new residence hall , expected to open in August 2026, will be the first in a planned series of upgrades and replacements to campus living spaces and athletic facilities.
He said the university is in the early stages of developing a capital campaign for an expansion and renovation to the facilities in and around Top Taggart Field and potentially other sports facilities. The new residence hall is planned to be the first of two new living spaces that would replace existing facilities.
The $38 million project is designed to have space for about 300 beds in rooms spread out over four stories, many with an up-close view of the football field. First floor community spaces open out to the stadium – within range of a long field goal.
It’s believed to be the first residence hall attached to a large multipurpose stadium among Michigan’s 15 public universities. Cornerstone University, a private college in Grand Rapids, has a residence hall serving about 90 students attached to its baseball stadium.
The university plans to cover the cost of construction by issuing bonds. Groundbreaking could take place early next year.
The project, which has not yet been named, will be the university’s first new residence hall since North Hall opened in 2017.
Pink said campus leaders are taking a hard look at the university’s existing living spaces, many of which were built in the middle of the last century.
He said the aging buildings have served the university well in their time, and many have had updates over the years. But the needs and expectations of students have changed, and the university’s facilities have to keep pace, whether it be learning spaces or living spaces.
North Hall, for example, is located in the center of campus alongside the David L. Eisler Center, a bustling hub of student activity. It has large community gathering areas, gaming centers, a fitness center, and a common kitchenette for student use.
A rendering of the future residence hall on the Ferris State campus in Big Rapids, Michigan. The facility will be the first living space attached to a Michigan public university sports venue.
The new building taps into Ferris State’s proud athletic tradition, with recent national championships in men’s basketball and football and success across many other programs.
Pink said the new stadium living space is not intended to be for student-athletes, though some may choose to live there.
“In addition to being part of the stadium, the location is perfect,” Pink said. “It’s across the street from the Student Recreation Center, near both of our dining halls, and a short walk from our health center. And if a student is more interested in esports, the Center for Virtual Learning and its innovative Esports Arena is right next door.”
INTEGRATED design SOLUTIONS is the architectural and engineering firm designing the project. The company has worked on a number of high-profile facilities at Michigan universities including the Tom Izzo Football Building at Michigan State University and the Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center at the University of Michigan.
Granger Construction has been selected to be the construction manager. The company recently completed work on Ferris State’s historic Alumni Building and last year earned industry honors for its work on Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Piazza.
Both companies are headquartered in Michigan with offices in Grand Rapids.