It is nearly impossible to travel the streets of East Lansing or walk around campus without dealing with the inconveniences of current construction projects. Although it can be a hassle, the presence of these construction projects displays a positive image of growth and vitality to students, residents and those visiting campus while preserving historic areas.
Two main construction projects are disrupting traffic flow this summer in East Lansing. Both Harrison and Albert avenues began construction on May 7 and are estimated to be completed by late summer. These projects are being completed in phases so no more than one block is closed at a time. On campus, parts of West Circle Drive are closed due to renovation of both the Union and the steam loop.
The projects might cause traffic and be a minor inconvenience for students and community members in the area this summer, but these large-scale construction projects are completed at the right time of year. With only about one-fourth of the student population taking on-campus classes, the summer semester provides East Lansing and MSU with the chance to complete these projects while affecting less of the student body and fewer community members than during the rest of the year.
Summer also is a time when prospective students visit MSU’s campus to explore what the school has to offer. Although widespread construction can cause confusion among these students and their families — some of whom might be visiting East Lansing for the first time — taking notice of these projects helps to show students MSU and East Lansing care about its image.
The construction plans show MSU is dedicated to preserving its rich architectural history while still making steps toward modern structures. The Union renovation shows the university cares about upholding quality in its buildings and monuments while still preserving some of its most historic buildings, but on the other hand, the new Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum has a futuristic look to it.
Unfortunately, with these projects comes the demolition of MSU’s oldest building, Morrill Hall. Although the building is rich in its 100-plus-year history, it has been cited for multiple infrastructure faults and is slotted to be torn down sometime next year. The building’s contents will be transported to the new Wells Hall addition before its demolition.
It will be disheartening to see a key piece of the university’s history torn down, but issues with its infrastructure caused a dangerous and unpredictable environment for students and professors on a daily basis. With its contents being taken to the new Wells Hall addition, the same quality of learning will take place in a newly renovated building.
Constant construction on campus and in East Lansing can cause traffic and a minor inconvenience for its residents, but, upon completion, will be more aesthetically pleasing to the community. Although campus is seeing new additions, many of its historic buildings and monuments are being preserved in the process. Campus can be seen as continuously developing because of its new construction projects, but also proud of its antiquity through conservation of its more historic sections.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “Upgrades fix MSU, preserve history” on social media.
