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 September 2021, construction continues to race to the finish line of completion. The structural concrete and structural steel work is complete while the exterior facade work is underway to enclose the building before winter. Much of the stone veneer is in place on the lower floors giving the exterior a monumental yet contemporary finish. Our concrete rainscreen is beginning on the west facade giving us a glimpse of the final finish of the upper floors.
Most of the interior wall framing is in-place and drywall is beginning on many of the walls. Utilities are being roughed-in ceilings and walls.The team is finalizing the design & bidding of the technology, AV & security systems along with the landscape and irrigation while continuing to pull together selections for the 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 Fall 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 a 300-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 |
$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 | ||