With finishing touches underway on the exterior of Wayne State University's newest residence hall, and interior work progressing on schedule, the university is eagerly anticipating a planned late-summer opening of the expansive, $55 million housing facility.

Dubbed "The Towers," because one wing is 11 stories tall and the other nine stories, the $55 million structure will house more than 900 sophomore, junior, senior and graduate students this fall. It features
suite-style rooms ranging from two to four bedrooms, as well as single-bedroom efficiencies, all with private baths.

To build on the excitement and create additional "buzz" among students, the WSU Housing and Residential Life Office has organized a promotional event, billed as an "Open House," on Tuesday, April 19,
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on the mall at the north end of the Student Center Building, just east of the new residence hall.

At the festival-like event, students will have an opportunity to . . .

· Sign up for a tour of a model suite in The Towers;
· Register to win an Apple iPod;
· Win $500 off living expenses in the new residence hall;
· Enjoy free hot dogs, chips and popcorn;
· Enter a contest for give-aways, including meal coupons for The Towers, and coupons for Starbucks, Subway and Einstein Bros. Bagels locations on campus;
· Win group fitness passes to the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center on campus.

The event also is open to prospective students who may be considering on-campus living at Wayne State. In addition to Tuesday's event, the university is offering students a chance to check out one of the suites in the new building during "Walk-In Wednesdays." Interested persons must sign up at an information table on the first floor of the Student Center Building between 3-5 p.m. any Wednesday.

Note: Media representatives interested in an advance look at one of the suites may contact Carla Orchard at 313-577-9156 or Tom Sakely at 313-577-2150.

Contact: Tom Sakely
Voice: (313) 577-2150
Email: t.sakely@wayne.edu