ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan will undertake a major renovation of historic Stockwell Hall as the latest project under the Residential Life Initiatives. The project was approved today by the Board of Regents.

Stockwell, constructed in 1940, is a six-story brick structure with strong architectural character that houses approximately 425 female students. With its Tudor architecture, paneled lounge and two fireplaces, the building is known as a special place, with a history of engendering a strong attachment to its traditions and distinctive features among the students who have lived there.

The renovation will preserve the building’s historic character while providing for contemporary and future needs. Dining services, formerly located within the building, will be provided in the new Hill Dining Center under construction adjacent to the Mosher-Jordan residence hall, freeing room to create meeting and community spaces for student interaction and living and learning activities.

In addition, the building?s infrastructure will be thoroughly upgraded, from wired and wireless high-speed network access to renovated bath facilities, accessibility improvements, and new plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, fire detection and fire suppression systems.

“Mosher-Jordan and Stockwell are two of the most beautiful, architecturally distinctive residence halls in the country,” said Carole Henry, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and director of University Housing. “Once completed, along with the new dining center, the renovation of the two halls will demonstrate the substantial impact a major renewal can have on the quality of students’ residential experience.”

The estimated cost is $39.6 million. Goody Clancy & Associates, also the architectural firm responsible for the Mosher-Jordan renovation project, has been chosen to design the project. A construction schedule will be submitted when approval is sought of the schematic design.

The building is named for Madelon Louise Stockwell, who in 1870 became the first woman admitted to the University.

The Residential Life Initiatives is a comprehensive plan for U-M student housing launched in 2004. Already underway as part of the plan is the construction of North Quad, the first new residence hall in more than 40 years. A design for North Quad, a unique combination of residence and academic space, was approved by the regents in December. An extensive renovation of Mosher-Jordan residence hall, and the construction of the Hill Dining Center, have also been undertaken as part of the Residence Life Initiative.

When the RLI was announced, President Mary Sue Coleman said, “Residential life is a vital part of the student experience. The quality of the residential experience can make all the difference in the academic success of our students.”