DETROIT – Wayne State University will hold grand opening ceremonies for its newest residence hall, the 11-story Towers Residential Suites, at 1 p.m. Friday, September 16. The 900-bed housing facility, located at the corner of Anthony Wayne Drive and Kirby St. in the heart of the campus, is the third new residence hall opened by the university during the past four academic years. (Yousif B. Ghafari Hall – formerly North Residence Hall – opened in the fall of 2002, and South Residence Hall opened in the fall of 2003.)

The new residential facilities were built in response to student demand for additional on-campus housing. They not only provide convenience for students who live outside normal commuting range but also more opportunities to interact with fellow students outside the classroom setting.

Students residing in The Towers can choose one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom suites with a shared living space and private baths. Loft-style beds increase useable floor space in each bedroom.

Seven different suite styles offer variety that is uncommon in college residential facilities. The building features wireless technology, free Internet and cable access for residents, spacious social and study lounges, kitchenettes on each floor, fitness and laundry facilities as well as a 400-seat, café-style dining area. The reception area is staffed around the clock, and security measures include card entry to the building, floors and suites. A convenience store and other retail shops are planned for the ground level.

A $51.5 million design and construction project, The Towers Residential Suites was designed by Hamilton Anderson, and the construction firm is Walbridge Aldinger in partnership with Devon Industrial Group. The building consists of two nine-story wings and an 11-story center section. It houses sophomores, juniors and seniors as well graduate and professional students.

Occupants are grouped into Living-Learning Communities, a concept that has proven popular in Wayne State’s other two newer residence halls. Floor assignments are based on each student’s general area of academic interest. Students moved in on Aug. 29-30, a week before the start of fall term classes.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education, offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.