Michigan State University continues to expand its community development and economic footprint in the greater Lansing region. Today, the Board of Trustees authorized the administration to begin a planning study to construct a new community-oriented, public-private partnership venue at the corner of Harrison and Trowbridge roads.

Aligned with the university’s Campus Facility and Land Use Plan and outreach and engagement efforts with surrounding communities, the project encompasses constructing a new hotel and retail space and athletics arena on 14 acres of vacant land on the west side of campus along Harrison Road in the city of East Lansing. The arena will support volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, locker rooms and coaching office space in addition to a number of university classrooms supporting various academic units. The hotel and retail space would be part of a public-private partnership between the university and the chosen developer.

“When I arrived in March and began these discussions, I knew we were standing at the threshold of something extraordinary,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “This public-private partnership project isn’t just about new buildings; it’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem that amplifies MSU’s mission. From state-of-the-art research spaces to a modern arena and contemporary accommodations, we are crafting an environment that nurtures personal growth, encourages healthy competition and propels academic excellence. This development will be a testament to MSU’s dedication to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader Lansing community.”

Today’s authorization by the board allows the university to initiate the formal bidding process for potential developers before moving into the Request for Proposal period in the coming weeks.

“A hallmark of a great institution like Michigan State University is being able to provide world-class facilities for students and student-athletes that enrich their collegiate experience,” said MSU Board Chair Dan Kelly. “Furthermore, the prospect of this facility using a public-private partnership model speaks to both MSU’s outreach and community engagement efforts and the institution’s role in economic development in the greater Lansing region. The board supports the university’s proposed next steps for the planning and exploration of this exciting project.”

Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, or LEAP, said this type of project substantially enhances the region’s ability to attract events, improve tourism and complement other regional assets.

“I’m excited that President Guskiewicz and the MSU Board of Trustees are considering substantial and intentional economic development projects that will have significant impact on our regional economy,” Trezise said. “The possible public-private partnership proposal in East Lansing could once again put us on the national map from a tourism and entertainment perspective, attracting large activities that will spill over into the entire region.”

Child Development Lab

Trustees, also during Friday’s public meeting, approved a long-term lease in the city of Lansing that establishes a third Child Development Lab through the university. MSU’s Child Development Labs in East Lansing and Haslett provide quality child care and preschool programs for children ages birth to kindergarten, while also providing opportunities to train future teachers and for faculty to conduct their research. The new Lansing site will expand MSU’s presence and partnership in the city, providing expanded access to the broader community.

Presentations

John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor Barbara Schneider in the College of Education and the Department of Sociology delivered a research presentation to the Board of Trustees called “Advancing Society’s Obligation for Science Learning with ‘Culturally Responsive Science Learning’: An Evidence-Based Approach in the Rural South.” Schneider’s research focuses on the barriers students face learning about science while living in the South and how partnering with two historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, is helping to lift those barriers and improve the learning environments of students in STEM programming.

Trustees also received student presentations on the MSU Tower Guard and Impact 89FM.

Tower Guard is a second-year student organization dedicated to serving the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD, at Michigan State University. Tower Guard collaborates with the RCPD to help scribe for exams, create more accessible textbooks, hold one-on-one tutoring and build a more inclusive environment for all Spartans.

Earlier this year, Impact 89FM, MSU’s student-run radio station, was recognized for its work with national awards in the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Competition, the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters’ Michigan Student Broadcast Awards.

Other approved agenda items:

• Long-term ground lease with MSU Research Foundation
• Authorization to plan Anthony Hall renovations
• Authorization to proceed with Plant and Environmental Science Building

The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is Oct. 25.