Learning Commons
A Building for the 21st Century
The 105,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Learning Commons will serve as the hub of faculty-student interactions, student-industry collaboration, flexible learning spaces, and the next century digital and physical library.
Construction Is Progressing
Kettering University officially broke ground Feb. 5, 2020. World-renowned architectural firm Stantec designed the building. Stantec has designed academic facilities in 37 states and provinces across North America.
As of October, construction was 70 percent complete, putting us on pace to finish construction in the summer of 2022.
The exterior building facade grows closer every day to look like our final product. The final section of our stone veneer is nearly completed, with final trim installed on our glass and glazing systems. The concrete rainscreen is half complete, and the metal panel sections polish out our entrances.
Inside, 90 percent of the drywall is installed, and the final finishing is complete on the upper floors. The exposed ceilings and some wall surfaces received their first coat of paint. We also are laying out suspended ceiling systems and installing hangers. Utilities continue to be roughed in ceilings and walls, while miles of cables are being pulled throughout the building.
The team is in the process of procuring technology, audio-visual and security systems, landscape and irrigation systems as we pull together final selections for furniture, fixtures and equipment.
The building project is facilitated by Clark Construction of Lansing and multiple Flint-community contractors. It is expected to be completed by summer 2022.
“This building is going to truly revolutionize this campus. It’s the kind of place where you can go and you can gather and you can stay. It will be the social and academic nexus of the campus.”
— Dr. Robert K. McMahan
A Building for the 21st Century
The 105,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Learning Commons will serve as the hub of faculty-student interactions, student-industry collaboration, flexible learning spaces, and the next century digital and physical library. Kettering is recognized internationally for its history of producing great leaders, and this distinctive new building will serve as a visual confirmation of Kettering’s commitment to remain a world leader on the technological stage – and, moreover, to lead that charge.
More Than a Building,
It’s a Transformational Experience.
The Learning Commons will synthesize every aspect of advanced technology and engagement into a connective, vibrant laboratory of living and learning. Building it is essential to the future of the University. The Campaign will help to make it a reality.
The building will feature flowing spaces infused with flexible, technology-enriched gathering areas that foster interdisciplinary collaboration any time, day or night. A reimagined library with open food court, as well as the more intimate Battenberg Café, will provide sustenance and networking opportunities among students, faculty and visitors.
“This campaign had to be more than a campaign; it had to be a transformational initiative for this University.”
— Gary Cowger
Virtually every space will be a writing surface, allowing ideas to flow freely, and inviting ad hoc study groups to form easily and seamlessly. The building itself will reflect its open and collaborative purpose, with limitless views, adaptable spaces and an approximately 200-seat auditorium for more formal presentations and community events.
Everything will be anchored to the rest of the campus via the breathtaking Connector — a glass-enclosed causeway that features a knowledge market with mentors, and peer-to-peer support services, and an ever-changing art gallery.
Kettering University's Learning Commons donations total more than $44 million toward the $63 million goal.
Funding Opportunities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name The Building | Upon Request | Kiva - FUNDED | $1,000,000 |
|
Connector |
$5,000,000 | Help Desk -FUNDED | $250,000 |
|
Atrium- FUNDED |
$2,500,000 | Auditorium Prefunction - FUNDED | $250,000 |
|
Terrace |
$2,000,000 |
Knowledge Market - FUNDED |
$250,000 |
|
Design/Entrepreneur Lab |
$2,000,000 |
Connector Commons - FUNDED |
$150,000 |
|
Art Gallery - FUNDED |
$1,000,000 |
Large Collaboration Space - FUNDED |
$100,000 |
| Cafe - FUNDED |
$1,000,000 |
Fabrication Lab - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
| Courtyard Patio | $1,000,000 | ||
Funding Opportunities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Auditorium - FUNDED |
$8,000,000 |
Auditorium Prefunction - FUNDED |
$250,000 |
|
Corporate Commons - FUNDED |
$1,000,000 |
Corporate Dining Room - FUNDED |
$250,000 |
|
Connector Terrace
|
$1,000,000 |
Connector Patio |
$150,000 |
|
Bistro - FUNDED |
$750,000 |
Large Collaboration - FUNDED |
$100,000
|
Funding Opportunities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Commons - FUNDED |
$1,000,000 |
|
|
|
Media Commons |
$1,000,000 |
Large Presentation - FUNDED |
$100,000 |
|
Rooftop Terrace |
$750,000 |
One Button Studio - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
|
Collaboration Space |
$150,000 |
D Space - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
|
Instructional Commons |
$250,000 |
Collaborative Niche - FUNDED |
$60,000 |
|
Reading Room - FUNDED |
$250,000 |
Flexible Staff Suite - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
|
Support Hub |
$250,000 |
Collaboration Terrace - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
| Large Collaboration Space - FUNDED | $100,000 | ||
|
Media Kiosk - FUNDED |
$150,000 | ||
Funding Opportunities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Commons |
$1,000,000 |
Guest Suite |
$100,000 |
|
Media Commons |
$1,000,000 |
D Space - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
|
Cantilever Conference Room - FUNDED |
$500,00 |
D Space - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
|
Instructional Commons |
$250,000 |
D Space - FUNDED |
$75,000 |
|
Large Presentation |
$250,000 |
Collaborative Niche - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
|
Collaboration Space |
$150,000 |
Collaboration Terrace - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
|
Media Kiosk - FUNDED |
$150,000 |
Collaboration Terrace - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
| Large Collaboration Space - FUNDED | $100,000 |
Collaboration Terrace - FUNDED |
$50,000 |
|
Large Collaboration Space - FUNDED |
$100,000 | ||