EAST LANSING, Mich. — Demolition is expected to begin the week of July 5 on Michigan State University’s Cherry Lane/Faculty Bricks Apartments, housing units that have been home to thousands of MSU students over the years but have outlived their usefulness.
The 40 buildings slated for demolition are located on the west side of MSU’s campus near Harrison Road, Shaw Lane and Birch Road. The Cherry Lane Apartments were built between 1956 and 1961, while Faculty Bricks were constructed in 1948.
Today, the facilities are plagued by a variety of old-age problems, including deteriorated piping and other mechanical issues that are affecting water, steam and heat. MSU officials have determined that the facilities are no longer cost effective to maintain.
Cherry Lane and Faculty Bricks were constructed after World War II as many soldiers returned home to pursue college degrees under the GI Bill®. During this time there was a great demand for apartments to house married students and their families.
Over the years, with decreasing demand for married housing, the apartments have also hosted international students, visiting faculty and scholars, and other students.
The 11 buildings in Faculty Bricks are each named in honor of a fallen Spartan who achieved high military honors during the war. To honor these alumni who served their country, the names of the students will be removed from the buildings and offered to interested family members.
An existing photo retrospective will be moved to its new permanent home in Demonstration Hall and an historical marker will be installed at the Faculty Bricks site upon completion of the demolition project.
Once the buildings are demolished, the site will be used as green space.
Additional information on the project is available here.
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Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.