At Michigan State University, cranes and construction crews signal a university on the rise as projects focused on investing in Spartans move forward. See some of the bold new buildings and renovations that will scale up the university’s research capabilities, enhance the academic experience for students, make operations more efficient, and improve health and well-being for the campus community.
In the works
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Designed with input from students, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be the first new facility of its kind at MSU in at least 50 years.
At more than 240,000 square feet, the center will focus on students’ interest in improving their overall health and well-being as well as their fitness levels. It also will provide spaces that help reduce stress and build a sense of belonging and community.
Substantial completion of the facility is expected by February 2026.
Plant and Environmental Sciences Building
With modern, state-of-the-art research facilities, the new Plant and Environmental Sciences Building will help support and increase MSU’s strength as a globally recognized leader in plant and environmental sciences.
By consolidating the location of MSU’s world-renowned plant researchers, the new building will enhance the potential for discovery and new synergies between disciplines. When combined with the renovated Plant Science Greenhouses, the highly specialized labs — including climate-controlled compartments and advanced microscopy — will help MSU attract and retain leading researchers and graduate students nationally and globally.
Substantial completion is expected by January 2027.
Heat, power and chilled water
From lowering emissions to reducing campus waste, MSU continuously works toward effective and efficient operational and environmental practices.
Construction is currently underway for a new Combined Heat and Power Unit at the Simon Power Plant as well as the new West Regional Chilled Water Plant. The two projects will add thermal and electric generation capacity, reduce the risk of power disruption and improve reliability and resiliency.
These infrastructure projects support the goals of Vision 2025: An Integrated Facilities and Land Use Plan, by enabling long-term campus growth of academic and research initiatives.
Already making a difference
Spartan One-Stop
Spartan One-Stop, a hub for student services, now has a physical space on the first floor of the Hannah Administration Building. The goal is to provide a centralized, holistic and seamless experience for students while navigating their registrar, financial aid, and tuition and billing needs.
“We designed the space to be really welcoming to students, very Spartan-centric,” says Colleen Thoman, director of Spartan One-Stop. “When they walk in, we want to make sure that they feel at home at MSU.”
With 24 full-time trained staff members, representatives are available on-site, over the phone and via email to resolve most records, financial aid or billing account questions that arise for students and families. If the One-Stop team can’t resolve an inquiry, it will help connect students with the best place to find a resolution.
A team of up to 30 students, also located in the Hannah Administration Building, helps manage phone outreach. An added benefit for callers is the option to receive a call back rather than to wait on hold.
Campbell Hall
Completed in time for students to move in for the 2025-26 academic year, the renovation of Campbell Hall helped modernize the 1939 building while preserving the historic character of north campus. With the generous contributions of numerous donors, and in partnership with Residential and Hospitality Services, it is now the first dedicated residential community for the MSU Honors College.
The improvements support a dynamic living experience for Honors College students, with versatile spaces designed for wellness, creativity and academic engagement. MSU consistently ranks as one of the top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report for its undergraduate living and learning communities.
“Campbell Hall is more than just a building; it’s an incubator for ideas, a catalyst for collaboration,” says Honors College student Sumaiya Imad.
In case you missed it
Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health
Earlier this year, MSU and community partners officially opened an expanded public health research facility in downtown Flint. The 40,000-square-foot Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is an extension of the College of Human Medicine’s Flint Campus. It provides space to recruit new researchers focused on health equity, social determinants of health, healthy behaviors, chronic disease, maternal-child health and environmental justice, among other topics.
Stadium video boards
In early August, the video boards in Spartan Stadium were upgraded as part of larger plans to modernize Spartan Stadium, including renovations to the West Tower and additional long-term plans to reimagine the stadium.
Just as previous generations of Spartans built the campus we know and love, today’s investments ensure current and future generations will have the spaces they need to learn, discover, collaborate and achieve their full potential.
See more ways MSU is growing opportunities through its Uncommon Will, Far Better World comprehensive campaign.
