DETROIT – Wayne State University continues to set the pace in enhancing the student, faculty and staff experience across campus.
At its April 25 meeting, held at the Hilberry Gateway, the Wayne State University Board of Governors approved a series of investments aimed at strengthening student success, affordability, campus safety, and athletic excellence.
Among the proposals approved was a major renovation of the Warriors’ football locker room and athletics office spaces, an important step in supporting the growth, well-being, and success of Wayne State’s student-athletes.
Expanded in 2004, the football locker room facility has become outdated and overcrowded, no longer meeting the needs of the program’s 140 student-athletes, coaches, and trainers. The $1 million renovation – funded through a mix of philanthropic support and university reserves – will modernize and expand the space by consolidating two locker rooms into one, creating 132 new lockers, and adding a lounge area with a front desk and kitchenette. Existing coaches’ offices will be repurposed into additional meeting rooms, enhancing team operations, preparation, and player development.
This project is part of Wayne State’s larger commitment to providing student-athletes with high-quality facilities they deserve. These enhanced facilities will further foster collaboration, enhance recruitment efforts, and reflect Wayne State’s unwavering focus on student success both academically and athletically.
“This renovation is about more than just modern facilities; it’s about giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed both on the field and in life,” said Erika Wallace, Wayne State’s athletics director. “By creating a space that fosters collaboration, preparation and well-being, we’re aligning directly with the Prosperity Agenda to accelerate mobility for our students. We're committed to providing an environment where Warriors can achieve their full potential athletically, academically and professionally.”
In addition to the football renovations, Wayne State will invest $750,000 into important upgrades at Harwell Field and Gary Bryce Field, the home venues for Warriors’ baseball and softball teams. These upgrades include installing NCAA-required padding along hard surfaces to enhance player safety and regrading the softball field to correct drainage issues and restore a high-quality playing surface.
WSU freezes housing rates again
Continuing its leadership in affordability, WSU is freezing its housing rates for the third consecutive year, a move that reinforces the university’s focus on making campus living accessible to more students.
At the same time, Wayne State is offering additional residential incentives, including a $1,000 discount for returning residents of Thompson House and Towers Residential Suites, and a $500 discount for students choosing Anthony Wayne Drive apartments.
Thanks to these strategic efforts, Wayne State’s housing rates are now $460 below the state average among Michigan’s public universities – helping Warriors stay focused on their education, not their rent.
Modernizing facilities for long-term strength
Wayne State is also taking important steps to protect and preserve the integrity of its campus buildings.
A $4.3 million restoration project will address exterior improvements on five key facilities: the Student Center, Mortuary Science, Biological Science, Engineering Technology (right) and the historic Pauline Knapp Building. These upgrades will enhance the appearance of campus, as well as the safety, sustainability and longevity of these vital spaces.
The project will focus on critical structural repairs, including addressing water infiltration, cracked masonry, failing caulking, and other envelope issues. Heavy rains and aging infrastructure have contributed to damage over time, making restoration efforts essential for protecting the buildings' long-term usability and energy efficiency.
Each building presents unique challenges: Engineering Technology requires an extensive approach due to more advanced aging, while work on the Pauline Knapp Building, listed on the National Historic Register, will include heritage-focused preservation efforts.
By investing proactively in these essential repairs, Wayne State is ensuring a safer, more resilient and more beautiful campus for current and future generations of Warriors.
Enhancing campus safety through smart upgrades
A planned $4.9 million project will update and expand the campus’ security camera network, replacing outdated equipment and adding new cameras in key locations to improve visibility and emergency response.
These smart upgrades will enhance Wayne State’s nationally recognized safety infrastructure, ensuring faster response times, greater coverage across campus, and even stronger support for the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
$150M bond issuance to support campus capital projects
Wayne State will issue up to $150 million in bonds to fund a wide range of campus capital projects, including major new facilities for health sciences and law. At least $100 million of the proceeds will go toward the new Health Sciences Research Building, which is also receiving matching funds from the State of Michigan.
This cutting-edge facility – to be located on E. Canfield Street with an expected connecting bridge to Scott Hall – is being designed to drive discovery, innovation, collaboration and community impact. The new space will empower Wayne State's talented faculty researchers, students and community partners to push the boundaries of medical and scientific advancements that improve lives.
The design development phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 2025, with groundbreaking anticipated this fall and project completion targeted for early 2028.
From the athletic fields to the residence halls and every corner of campus, Wayne State continues to make strategic investments that empower students to succeed today and build brighter futures tomorrow.