In a recent reveal, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) showcased its brand-new student housing complex, Lakeview Apartments, complete with 400 beds—a significant leap forward in the school's "Welcome Home: Campus Living Redefined Project." The move is part of EMU's comprehensive $200 million strategy to revamp student housing on the Ypsilanti campus. The Lakeview Apartments, along with other initiatives, include one million square feet of reconstructed and retrofitted housing facilities, now ready for students who have had to contend with antiquated residences lacking modern amenities such as air conditioning.

As reported by CBS News Detroit, EMU's housing overhaul includes one-, two-, and four-bedroom apartment-style units designed to offer students contemporary comforts. These units possess features such as upgraded Wi-Fi and lighting, air conditioning, and stylish finishes. "It's really an equity issue for us that students have great living space," Jeanette Zalba, EMU Director of Housing and Residence Life, explained, as per WXYZ. Amid a 42% enrollment decline since 2013, EMU is making a concerted effort with these housing options to draw in students and cater to 21st-century living standards.

Student input was instrumental in the development of the new housing, with preferences on furniture, bed sizes, and even climate control within the units taken into account. "We spent months and months of student engagement before buildings were even designed to make sure that we understood what students were looking for," Anthony Sikora, an associate director with Rieth Jones, commented, as cited by WXYZ.

The ambitious housing initiative isn't solely about attracting first-year students. EMU's push also targets upperclassmen and graduate students, offering them state-of-the-art living spaces. Specifically designed to appeal to this demographic, Lakeview and Westview halls were cited by MLive as featuring full kitchens, individual heating and cooling, and impressive views. Outdated residence halls are being demolished to make way for these new developments. Zalba shared with MLive that about 85% of the units are expected to be occupied by upperclassmen come fall 2024.

As for the affordability aspect, EMU has priced the units competitively with market rates, inclusive of utilities and Wi-Fi. The annual rent ranges from $8,846 to $9,296, varying by apartment size and accommodation type, according to MLive.