February 3, 2016

Historic Thompson Home to be converted into residence hall for students

The Thompson Home, formerly the site of the School of Social Work, has been identified as a future residence hall for students. The Board of

The Thompson Home, formerly the site of the School of Social Work, has been identified as a future residence hall for students. The Board of Governors approved funding for the design phase to convert the historic Thompson Home, located at 4756 Cass, into residential student housing.

Built in 1874 as a home for aged women, the Victorian, Queen Anne-style structure was designed by George Mason, one of the best-known architects of the period. The building, which initially included 40 rooms, has been expanded over the years, adding sunrooms, additional staff quarters and a five-bed infirmary adjoining the home on its south side.

The School of Social Work occupied the facility in 1990 until their recent move to 5447 Woodward.

The Thompson Home project is part of a multi-year housing plan to expand the capacity of university-controlled housing from 3,000 to 3,750 beds by 2021. Campus housing occupancy last fall was a record 3,147. Temporary housing was used in Towers Residential Suites lounges and the St. Regis Hotel.

"The conversion of Thompson Home to student housing is one of the first projects of the new ten-year housing master plan recently completed," said Tim Michael, associate vice president for business and auxiliary operations and chief housing officer. "With the proximity to the Hilberry Theatre and Old Main, we hope the new residence will open in fall 2017 and be home for approximately 65 students in a learning community for the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts."

Looking ahead, the anticipated project scope for the Thompson Home includes the removal of hazardous materials, new partitions with improved sound attenuation, a new stair tower to provide required emergency egress pathways, and other safety and electrical upgrades.

A new bathroom core and community kitchen also will be constructed on each floor, along with a kitchen in the lower level with space for group dinners. The technology infrastructure will be upgraded to meet current standards, and multiple lounge and study spaces are anticipated as well.