What's new to see on Michigan campuses? Here are 5 projects at 5 universities.

The modern Michigan college campus has often been awash in construction, aiming to shore up infrastructure, improve student life, upgrade athletic facilities and so much more.

Some national experts now say however, with softened growth in student enrollment and tighter budgets, large-scale, new-build projects that crop up annually could be fewer and farther between. Renovation of existing facilities — and not new construction — may be the emerging trend.

"After a decade of expansion outpacing enrollment," new growth has abated, said building intelligence firm Gordian in its most recent annual report on the state of the industry.

"Growth has remained flat for the third year, marking a real signal that institutions are recognizing the importance of restraint in the face of countless indicators about the future," the report concluded. "Institutional investment in existing buildings has rebounded with growth of 33%, but inflationary pressure and increased wages accelerated the cost to care for existing facilities by nearly 20%."

Here are some of the most prominent new builds and major renovations at campuses across the state underway and nearing completion this fall:

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti

Name of the construction project: Welcome Home: Campus Living Redefined

Driving force behind the project: Completion of the $200 million investment in the construction of two new apartment-style housing units, renovations of every residence hall on campus (with the exception of Wise Hall, which was renovated in 2017) and demolition of four residence halls.

Project's purpose: Create apartment-style living spaces for students.

Estimated cost: $200 million

Completed to date: 99%

Estimated completion date: August 2024, with some restoration work continuing through November.

Wayne State University in Detroit

Name of the construction project: Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center

Driving force behind the project: Renovation of the former Hilberry Theatre, transforming it into the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center performance hall.

Project's purpose: The hall has been designed specifically for jazz performances. It is expected to host high-profile concerts, a high-tech audio system and two Steinway grand pianos. The project also includes the renovation of the Hilberry Theatre's basement Studio Theatre to create an intimate performance space, jam sessions, workshops and jazz films as well as other activities.

Estimated cost: The jazz center is the second phase of the Hilberry Gateway project, which has a total cost of $69.5 million.

Completed to date: 95%

Estimated completion date: August 2024

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Name of the construction project: Glenn E. Schembechler Hall Team Locker Room Renovation

Driving force behind the project: This project will renovate approximately 14,000 gross square feet to create an expanded locker room, improvements to locker, shower, and team areas, as well as create gender‐inclusive locker facilities for both student-athletes and staff.

Project's purpose : The Glenn E. Schembechler Hall houses the facilities for the Michigan football team. Originally built in 1990, it underwent a renovation in 2009, and serves the team’s needs for training during and outside the football season.

Estimated cost: $14 million

Estimated completion date: Summer 2024

Michigan State University in East Lansing

Name of the construction project: Biomedical animal resources clinical center repurposing

Driving force behind the project: This project expects to repurpose an existing imaging suite in the Clinical Center to accommodate large animal imaging using new MRI and PET Scan equipment. New animal holding rooms are being constructed while existing equipment will be removed and replaced.

Project's purpose: To develop a shared research facility supporting growth in biomedical research using state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

Estimated cost: $11.2 million

Completed to date: 25% (as of June 2024

Estimated completion date: November 2024

Oakland University in Rochester

Name of the construction project: South Foundation Hall renovation and addition

Driving force behind the project: Renovation and addition to a main classroom building.

Project's purpose: Most students on campus will take classes in this building during their time at Oakland.

Estimated cost: $40 million

Completed to date: 95%

Estimated completion date: September 2024

Contact Matthew Dolan: 313-223-4743 or msdolan@freepress.com . Follow him on X (previously known as Twitter) at @matthewsdolan

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What's new to see on Michigan campuses? Here are 5 projects at 5 universities.