New, LEED-Certified Residence Hall
EMU is replacing Oakwood residence hall, a 109-room dormitory in service since 1969, with a new $6 million "green" residence hall on the same site. EMU plans to seek LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the project.
Alumni bid farewell to Oakwood during an informal gathering on on Labor Day, Sept. 1. A blog for sharing memories is still available, and alumni can keep a piece of Oakwood alive by reserving a brick for themselves or a friend. (The bricks will be prepared with a bronze plaque in time for distribution at Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 11.)
View the Oakwood demolition webcam
or a time-lapse video of demolition.
reserve a brick
Highlights of the demolition
Oakwood is being demolished in September, 2008.
- All materials in the original building are being carefully assessed for re-usability.
- Debris from the demolition will be ground into fill for the new project.
- Old furniture from the building has been sold or donated to Gift and Thrift for auction later this fall to benefit Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
- Interior doors, mirrors, towel racks and other miscellaneous items have been shipped to Ethiopia for use at the Meserete Kristos College near Addis Ababa.
- Ultimately, very little waste from the original building will go to the landfill.
Features of the new dorm
- 35,000 square feet and 120 beds
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
- Low-water-usage appliances
- Local and recycled building materials
- Bicycle storage
- Significant daylighting
Support EMU's commitment to promote sustainable living on campus by donating and designating your gifts for "building green."
