With the start of the semester, Michigan State University students are returning to a campus marked by multiple construction projects. From major facility upgrades to new buildings in progress, here’s a breakdown of the projects, their costs and when they are expected to be completed.
“Something that students won’t likely notice is the infrastructure work that was done to dig large trenches to install and connect new drinking water, chilled water, electrical and network lines through campus,” MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities spokesperson Erica Venton said in an email. “You’re seeing some of that work at the corner of Red Cedar Road and Shaw Lane now. However, there was a section of Trowbridge Road between Farm Lane and Red Cedar Road, for example, that was completely torn up. Now it looks like we just planted some fresh grass and installed a cute fence.”
Spartan Stadium Renovations
Key renovations for Spartan Stadium were approved by the MSU Board of Trustees in December 2024. The stadium’s videoboards and the two signs featuring the Spartan helmet were replaced. This project replaced the previous videoboards, which were installed in 2011 and were two years beyond their anticipated life cycle. Renovations included the demolition of the central services building in August.
The Spartan Stadium suites and club spaces on the 4th, 7th, and 8th floors of the West Tower's main purpose of renovation was to provide a modern venue for the university to host events, donors, and dignitaries and generate revenue,” according to MSU’s real estate and capital project report. The existing suites in those areas have not been updated since they were first built in 2004. Updates to the spaces will enhance outdated technology, provide modern ADA-compliant restroom facilities, and include updates to seating, flooring and concessions.
Demolition for floors 4, 7, and 8 is complete. As of June, new framing, drywall work, and mechanical/electrical system rough-ins are in progress. In April 2025, scope was added on the 7th and 8th floors to improve Fan Coil Unit controls by changing low temperature detectors and piping configuration, adding hot water isolation valves, and improving access for maintenance that includes relocation of 3 units.
Farm Lane Road and Utility Reconstruction
Approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on Feb. 7, 2025, the $22 million project will reconstruct Farm Lane’s roadway from Wilson Road to N. Shaw Lane, including bike lanes. The project scope includes installing a secondary steam service pipeline from Wilson Road to North Campus, above the 100-year flood plain, providing steam, water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer services to the new Plant and Environmental Sciences Building, and reconstructing roadway, intersection, and signals, including the completion of the bike lane from Mt. Hope to Grand River for improved safety.
The project will also install an electrical duct from the TB Simon Power Plant to North Campus to support future electric demand, replace aged cast iron water main with ductile iron for increased reliability and capacity, replace deteriorating sanitary and storm sewer mains, and complete a communication duct from Shaw Lane to Wilson Road to support campus current needs and growth.
Spartan Gateway District
Approval of the $150 million project was granted by the Board of Trustees in April. The project plans include the development of approximately 14 acres on the northeast corner of South Harrison Road and Trowbridge Road. The economic development opportunity site is planned to include amenities such as a hotel, market-rate housing, retail, restaurants, office, parking, an approximately 6,000-seat Olympic sports arena, and potential future academic and/or healthcare development. At the time of publication, the target completion date is to be determined.
Wilson Hall Renovations for the Technology Engineering Program
Wilson Hall will undergo a $22 million renovation to transform the former kitchen and dining spaces into teaching, learning, and office areas for the new Technology Engineering program. The 20,000 sq. ft. renovation will enhance the College of Engineering’s presence in the area by offering cutting-edge, hands-on laboratory courses. Upgrades include HVAC, restrooms, elevator access, a new fire suppression system and a fire alarm system replacement for the 300,000 sq. ft. building. At the time of publication, the target completion date is to be determined.
Dairy Farm Facility Renovations and Additions
The Board of Trustees approved construction for the new MSU Dairy farm in October 2023. The $75 million project aims to primarily consist of the construction of new dairy facilities along with renovations at the existing location on the south campus, leveraging some of the existing infrastructure in the process by including an expanded feed production capacity and nutrient management operations. Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by September 2025.
MSU Greenhouses Renovations
Construction of MSU’s greenhouse spaces began in May 2024 and is phased to minimize impact on greenhouse research space. Two-thirds of the greenhouses were built between 1955 and 1978 and lack the modern controlled environments necessary to perform year-round research in specialized conditions, according to IPF’s website.
This project is anticipated to upgrade the Plant Sciences Greenhouse Range through renovations and additions that include state-of-the-art environmental controls and LED lighting configured to respond to external climate conditions. The upgraded greenhouses will have the ability to conduct controlled, replicated experiments regardless of the season and under a variety of growth, environmental and stress conditions. The $35 million project is expected to be completed by November 2026.
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