Governor Approves Capital Outlay Bill with New Academic Building

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill authorizing more than $300 million in higher education construction projects across the state, including a new academic building to replace Jamrich Hall at NMU. The state will commit $25 million to the $33.4 million project, with NMU funding the rest.

"These investments allow higher education in Michigan to stay on the cutting-edge," said Snyder, during a June 25 visit to Wayne State University. "Our colleges and universities play a critical role in Michigan's future. I am pleased that we are able to support these worthwhile projects."

NMU had revised its original proposal to renovate Jamrich Hall when the design team determined that a new building would cost $500,000 less than the renovation, reduce square footage on campus, improve energy efficiency and offer greater flexibility in space utilization. There will also be less disruption because Jamrich, where 40 percent of NMU classes are held, can remain open during construction. The new facility will be attached to the southeast side of the Learning Resources Center and house classrooms and offices.

Work on the final architectural design and program plans will continue through November. A parking lot will be established next to Jamrich Hall this fall to allow for construction, which is scheduled to begin in spring 2013 and end in August 2014.