I actually saw this article in Crain’s Detroit Business a while ago, “Eastern Michigan University has long-range plan for arts village on campus.” To be honest, I’m cynical because of some politics I’m not going to get into here, and also because of the “beautiful dream” quality of the project. As the article points out, this is an estimated $80 million project and EMU has not begun the process for raising funds yet. So, given what’s happening with Mark-Jefferson and what will (probably) happen with Pray-Harrold, I am betting that a) this is at a minimum 10 years off, and b) will end up being a much smaller project.
Still, most fund raising begins with a dream and a fuzzy artists’ sketch, and as Alum pointed out in a recent comment (I don’t know how accurate this is or what it’s based on because I couldn’t find the article Alum referenced), EMU raised $30 million in the “silent part” of its capital campaign. So hey, who knows? This might come to something yet.
The article on the $30 million is in the Oct. 26, 2009 copy of Crain’s Business. It’s part of a larger article on philanthropy. It can’t be accessed on the internet unless you have a subscription. I have a copy at the office. What about Strong Hall? It sounds like they are going to start the project. Where is $38 million coming from. I assume most of it from the state? If that’s the case it’s a few years off due to economic conditions.
“I’m cynical because of some politics I’m not going to get into here…” Isn’t that why this site is here? Dish, would you? Seems like a cool idea but the 80 million price tag looks to be kind of low to renovate four buildings plus add one. I’m a COT alum and Sill needed some help while I was there. Could just be my imagination but the regard for the COT seems right behind football on this campus.
I am not clear what an arts village is, nor where support for the village concept is coming. However, I do believe that Regent Willbanks was a strong supporter of the plan to build a Greek village and miniature golf course on the EMU campus (about 20 years ago). Is there any information about whose brainchild the village concept is?