University Center

Ferris State University

Collaborative Spaces and Contemplative Places Revitalize a Prime Campus Location

University Center

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

135,000 SF
(112,000 SF renovation, 23,000 SF addition)

LEED Gold Certification

the Opportunity

Originally built in 1957 with additions in 1960 and 1987, Ferris State’s University Center had become disconnected physically, functionally, and socially from the institution’s campus and its ideals. The KSS team carefully evaluated the existing building and context, assessing the value and future potential in service to the program, building systems, operations, aesthetics, campus master plan, construction phasing, and cost.

Our Approach

New additions to the north and west seamlessly link many of the building’s most important features. An internal street dotted with event rooms, gallery space, and marketplace dining leads to a dramatic double-height student lounge space that spills out to the campus quad. The lounge features a fireplace cladded with repurposed limestone that was once part of the Masselink residence hall on campus, as well as a replica of an iconic campus clock. Previously disconnected from Big Rapids, the University Center now organically draws the community through the building and onto campus, acting as a new front door to campus, a window into student life, and a resource for students and the extended community.

To lead and transition, the University Center’s holistic indoor and outdoor redesign weaves the pedestrian path from the academic buildings to the University Center, where the front terrace provides a belvedere to the quad and outdoor room for hanging out. To navigate, the reprogramming process creates “streets” inside the Center to guide the university community through the affirmed elements of event space, meeting rooms, student organization offices, marketplace dining options, collaborative spaces, and contemplative places—connecting people and services with ease.

Program

Event rooms, meeting rooms, informal lounges, bookstore, student organization offices, career services, coffee shop, marketplace dining, tech services, student life offices