Western's Hilltop Village development ramps up with new parking structure, pedestrian bridge
The next phase of the Hilltop Village project will include a new parking structure and pedestrian bridge.
The pedestrian bridge will cross over Loop Road.
The bridge will be fully accessible and improve safety for pedestrians in the area.
New green space and pathways will be added in the development.
The parking structure will be adjacent to Arcadia Flats.
"Our goal with all of this new development is to change the face of the University and add modern square footage but also add green space," says David Dakin, director of planning, space management and capital projects.
Additional green space will also help with storm water drainage.
The parking structure will feature five levels and have a variety of sustainable features.
A map shows the various development elements.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擡xciting new developments are on the way as Western Michigan University continues to be responsive to student and campus community needs. Crews are forging ahead with plans for a new parking structure, pedestrian pathways and more green space to enjoy.
The University employed Fishbeck, a local design firm, to helm the project. It is part of the larger Hilltop Village development, which involves a re-imagining of the southern portion of main campus. It includes Arcadia Flats student housing, which opened in 2021, and the new Student Center and Dining Facility expected to open in late summer 2023.
"Our goal with all of this new development is to change the face of the University and add modern square footage but also add green space," says David Dakin, director of planning, space management and capital projects.
The new, five-story parking structure will be adjacent to Arcadia Flats in the space formerly occupied by the Burnhams residence hall. Built with sustainability in mind, it is intended to be and features four new electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficient lighting, bicycle parking and dedicated spaces for energy-efficient vehicles.
"We're really proud of our effort to pursue Parksmart certification and want to ensure that all of our development not only improves the aesthetics of campus but also includes state-of-the-art technology that really makes sustainability a top priority," Dakin says.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023 with plans to have the structure open in fall 2024. There will be more than 350 spaces. Two floors will be designated for Arcadia Flats resident parking, while all other parking spaces will operate on a pay-by-plate basis. Pay stations will be conveniently located within the structure. A future expansion would add another 200 spaces.
In addition to the structure, this latest development phase will include the creation of Loop Road, which will run parallel to Arcadia Loop Road, using a "complete streets" concept鈥攃reating a safe and convenient roadway that supports mobility for all users鈥攁s well as create a "Viewshed," expanding green space and creating new, accessible pathways between the Student Recreation Center and newly renovated Dunbar Hall. A pedestrian bridge will also be added to allow for safer crossing over traffic on the newly constructed road between Arcadia Flats and Moore Hall.
"Western is really striving to be a pedestrian campus, which has been a goal for decades," Dakin says. "This is another big step in that direction."
The addition of green space will also increase capacity for stormwater management, which helps keep potential stormwater pollution out of Arcadia Creek.
Construction will involve the removal of Hays Drive, Dormitory Road, Moore Drive and Shaw Lane. Information related to this phase of Hilltop Village development and related walking, parking and driving interruptions and detours due to construction will be available online.
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