Michigan Technological University's East Hall, a new residence hall designed with sustainability and student connection in mind, officially opened its doors in August 2025.
Located at the east entrance to campus, East Hall adds 126,000 square feet and 512 new beds to Michigan Tech's campus. The new residence hall features modern, collaborative spaces that enhance student life and support Tech's measured enrollment growth, helping address the growing demand for student housing as the University continues to see strong enrollment trends.
In fall 2025, Michigan Tech welcomed 1,601 new students, bringing total enrollment to more than 7,400. The addition of East Hall to the University's on-campus housing portfolio ensures more Huskies can live on campus, which national research has often found to be linked with higher retention, improved academic outcomes and stronger campus engagement.
"Serving as a gateway to campus, the new East Hall represents Michigan Tech's ongoing commitment to student success through its innovative design and emphasis on collaborative spaces."
Built by Demand, Sustainable by Design
Planning for East Hall began in 2023 as part of Michigan Tech's long-term Campus Master Plan, which outlines strategic priorities for enrollment growth, facility renewal, and the student experience. The first new residence hall since Hillside Place opened in 2010, East Hall represents a significant investment in student housing designed to meet current and future demand.
"East Hall expands our housing capacity by 19% and introduces new living options for students, offering them a different experience each year they live on campus," said Matt Weekley, executive director of residential living. "Its design bridges the shared community of traditional residence halls with the added responsibility of suite-style living, helping students build the skills they'll need for independent living."
East Hall is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, reflecting Michigan Tech's commitment to sustainability and responsible growth. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system evaluates buildings on criteria such as energy and water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The hall's design incorporates modern, sustainable features. These include an energy-efficient HVAC system, LED lighting and other resource-conscious elements that support East Hall's LEED goals to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
Amenities that Foster Connection
Inside, East Hall offers a variety of housing styles. Options range from semi-private suites to single-occupancy rooms, including accessible units that meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. All spaces are designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Every unit includes a built-in bathroom, loftable bed, desk and dresser.
Additional amenities include:
- Multiple study areas, community lounges and multipurpose rooms
- Gaming lounge and music studio
- Fitness center
- Covered bike storage
- Frictionless convenience store
- Building-wide air conditioning
- Laundry services
These spaces provide flexibility for students to study, relax and engage with one another in a modern environment built to support both academic and personal success.
The opening of East Hall aligns with other transformative efforts outlined in the Campus Master Plan, including the completion of the H-STEM Complex in spring 2024. Alongside initiatives like the launch of Essential Education, these projects demonstrate Michigan Tech's momentum as a premier R1 research institution and reinforce the University's long-term strategy of purposeful, measured growth. By expanding facilities that support both living and learning, Michigan Tech is ensuring students have the resources to succeed while preparing for the opportunities of the decades ahead.
"With modern, accessible amenities and multiple themed community spaces, East Hall balances close connections within four-person suites with opportunities to engage and belong within the broader residence hall community," said Weekley.
Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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