Grand Valley breaks ground on Learning-Living-Dining 2010

ALLENDALE, Mich. —  A ground-breaking ceremony will be held for two new projects at Grand Valley State University that will combine learning, living and dining.

The 289,000-square-foot Living Center 2010, to be located along 42nd Avenue in Allendale, will consist of three, three-story buildings, offering 608 beds in apartment-style units.

The 21,534-square-foot Learning/Dining Center 2010, on the north end of Lot P on the Allendale Campus, will be a two-story building containing Fresh Food Service, a convenience store, a coffee shop, classrooms, study areas and more.

The ground-breaking ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 15, from 3-4:30 p.m., in Parking Lot P on Grand Valley’s Allendale Campus. Remarks begin at 3:30 p.m.; Media are encouraged to attend.

Andy Beachnau, director of Housing, Residence Life and Health Services, said the designs for the new facilities follow the latest trends for student housing. “What we’ve found is if students are in an academic unit that connects with a residential unit, they are more likely to have a better experience and stay and complete their degrees,” Beachnau said. “And, we’re excited about adding classrooms to the new dining facility. Students can go to class and then go into a restaurant where learning, studying and socializing can continue."

The $45 million Living Center is scheduled for occupancy in August 2010; the $7.4 million Learning/Dining Center is scheduled to be completed in April 2010.

For more information, contact Grand Valley News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.