Michigan State University - Owen Hall

Michigan State Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education Interiors SmithGroup Detroit
Michigan State University Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education Exterior SmithGroup East Lansing
Michigan State University Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education SmithGroup East Lansing
Michigan State University Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education SmithGroup East Lansing
Michigan State University Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education SmithGroup East Lansing

As Michigan State University’s only traditional-style residence hall specifically designed for graduate and professional students, the re-energized Owen Hall enhances the student experience through lounge areas, group study spaces, a community kitchen and use of vibrant materials with accessibility and environmental stewardship at the core. 

Client

Michigan State University

Location

East Lansing, Michigan

Markets/Services

Architecture, Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering, Higher Education, Interiors, Lighting Design, MEP Engineering, Student Life

Size

39,097 SF

Featured Awards

International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Interior Design Excellence Awards - Institutional over 10,000 SF, Michigan Chapter, 2011

International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Interior Design Excellence Awards - Institutional over 10,000 SF, Michigan Chapter, 2011

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Honor Award - Interior Architecture, AIA Detroit, 2010

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), Merit Award, Excellence in Architecture for Renovation for Adaptive Reuse, 2010
 

View All Awards

International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Best Use of Architectural Materials, Michigan Chapter, 2011

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Honor Award - Interior Architecture,  AIA Michigan, 2010

Building Design + Construction, Silver Award, Reconstruction Awards, 2010

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Award of Merit, Illumination Awards, 2010

 

 

Completed in the 1960s, Owen Hall was designed to provide on-campus housing for graduate students. Equipped with many single rooms and central location near professional schools, the residence hall was well positioned to attract students but lacked the modern appeal and nearby amenities. As more modern housing options - on and off-campus, were becoming available, interest in the Owen Graduate Center had steadily declined. 

The University invested in a cost-effective and high-impact renovation to reenergize the study-oriented atmosphere emphasizing community spaces, upgrading food service and increasing safety. Dining areas were revamped into a “Riverwalk Market.”  Private study rooms with the latest technology cement living-learning goals. The lower level features a game room with user-controlled lighting, gathering space and a community kitchen.

 

Michigan State University Own Hall Dining Interior Cafe Higher Education SmithGroup East Lansing

Upgrading the foodservice experience was a key part of the design to create more appeal to students. 

 

The renovated hall, completed in just nine months, now offers a welcoming, service-oriented and visually impressive experience, offering modern amenities and a comfortable campus living and learning environment for students. It no longer stands out as a ‘dated campus housing option’ but rather, stands out as a modernized home away from home for the University’s post-graduate student population.