Ferris’ newest residence hall focuses on amenities and sustainability
By John Smith
Communications Specialist
Ferris State’s newest addition, North Hall, opened its doors
to student residents for fall semester move-in day on
Aug. 28, 2017.
The 402-bed, four-story, 120,498-square-foot residence hall is the first to be built on the Ferris State University campus since the construction of Cramer Hall in 1968. Great care was taken by university leaders to review and respond to feedback from both current and prospective students, and their parents, regarding the facility’s design
and offerings.
North Hall has been designed to serve as a center of “living and learning” for first-year students of Ferris, offering them greater proximity to the Arts and Sciences Complex, the University Center and Quad area, along with the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education.
The hall’s design offers a total of 15 study rooms, five lounge areas and
a fitness center. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and an array of 30 security cameras is in place throughout and around the building.
The Living/Learning Center is accessible to all students, faculty and staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with three classrooms, study rooms, a lounge area, lobby space, a game room and a kitchen which is located in the central area and east wing of the first floor.
Construction of the North Hall project was supervised by Granger Construction, following the architectural design of Progressive/AE.
Both operations are based in Grand Rapids. The cost of the project,
as approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, is not to exceed
$28.15 million. Though construction costs are pending until the project
is finalized, it is anticipated that it will come in under budget.
University officials hope that the project will be awarded LEED Gold certification for its resource efficiency, in terms of water and energy
use, and a demonstrated reduction in the building’s emission of greenhouse gases.
North Hall is a co-ed residence facility, with two residents of the same gender per room, and connecting rooms sharing a bathroom. Rooms feature pre-installed loft spaces, and the hall is completely air-conditioned. The design also offers residents an enviable view of central campus, including the green space of the Quad, along with the University Center, the Music Center’s Carillon Clock Tower and the FLITE Building.
Ferris State’s new residence hall, North Hall, opened Aug. 28, 2017. Left: The new hall features a community kitchen. Center: Students and family members on move-in day, Aug. 28. Left: North Hall’s lobby features reception and game areas.