MSU has a mission-driven need for student housing. Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the Spartan Village buildings have exceeded their life expectancy and have become very expensive to maintain and repair. While the buildings that are currently occupied remain safe for the time being, in order for us to continue to deliver outstanding Spartan experiences to our residents, we have determined that Spartan Village Apartments will close in 2017, pursuant to MSU’s strategic plan for Residential and Hospitality Services. Replacement housing and buildings to be used for ancillary purposes are being constructed at the site previously occupied by the Michigan State Police and on the adjacent property owned by MSU at Harrison and Kalamazoo.
The East Lansing community, the Red Cedar Community Association in particular, have asked MSU to develop more family housing in this area since the closing of the former University Village apartments and Cherry Lane/Faculty Bricks apartments in 2011. In addition, students have told us, through meetings, focus groups and their rental patterns, what amenities and environment they would like in a development. Being close to the academic core of the University and having resources on site were among their chief concerns. This new development is meant to benefit both the community and the University.