U-M’s Couzens Hall due for $49 million in renovations

Big money is about to start rolling into the renovation of one of the University of Michigan’s historic dormitories. The U-M Board of Regents is expected to vote on a $49 million renovation project of Couzens Hall tomorrow evening.The Hill-area dormitory on U-M’s Central Campus would undergo a deep renovation that would basically upgrade almost every inch of the 180,000-square-foot structure. The 5-story building would have everything from its mechanical guts replaced to its interior redesigned.The renovation will replace the plumbing, heating, ventilation, fire detection and suppression systems. The bath facilities will also be renovated and access points improved throughout the building. A high-speed Wi-Fi network and air-conditioning are in the works, and the old dining facility area is to be redesigned into a communal space for students.Couzens Hall was built in 1925 and houses 560 students. Its renovation is part of the U-M’s Residential Life Initiative, which plans to upgrade and expand the student living options on Central Campus. These have ranged from multiple renovations of its historic dormitories to the construction of the new North Quad at State and Huron streets.Source: University of MichiganWriter: Jon Zemke