Mary Mayo Grand Reopening Preview

Michigan State University unveiled the newly renovated Mary Mayo Hall during a grand reopening on Thursday September 17. Mayo Hall was closed throughout the 2008 and 2009 school year while renovations began.

Built in 1931, Mayo Hall is part of the historical West Circle Complex resident halls located near Michigan Avenue and Abbot Road. Mayo Hall was named after Mary Mayo, who was the first extension speaker to women’s groups and mobilized rural Michigan to demand equal educational opportunities for men and women.

The renovations, which began in May of 2008 was originally projected to cost $12.7 million; however, university officials say the renovations are ahead of schedule and under budget at $12.5 Million.

The focus of the renovations was to update the facilities, with an emphasis on historical preservation and restoration. Renovations include all major plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, life safety, ADA modifications, lighting upgrades, new windows, flooring and ceiling replacement, roofing and exterior restoration.

Newly designed Mary Mayo study lounge.

Newly designed Mayo Hall study lounge.

New Mayo Hall study lounge furniture.

Mayo Hall residents enjoying their newly renovated entertainment lounge.

New Mayo Hall dorm furniture.

Newly renovated Mayo Hall resident floor.

Newly designed Mayo Hall laundry rooms, which are located on each resident floor.

Newly designed Mayo Hall service rooms, which are located on every residence floor.

New Amenities and Services:
• Community bathrooms were updated, including heat lamp in the showers and bathroom lockers for students to store cosmetic and bathroom supplies.
• Laundry facilities have been relocated with one now on every floor including a service room with a stainless steal sink. Laundry rooms include texting services to notify students when their laundry is done.
• The first ever Mayo Hall elevator was installed as part of the renovations.
• All new modular student dorm room furniture was purchased.
• Residents must swipe their MSU ID card to enter the living area wings.
• Mayo Hall has a unique fountain in the back of the hall with new brick work added during renovations.
• A student work lounge was added on each floor as part of renovations.
• Student lounge areas were updated with a variety of furniture options to meet the needs of students socializing, individual and group studying as well as a TV entertainment area in one of the lounges.
• Due to high cell phone use by students, landline phones have been eliminated in Mayo student room, but an emergency phone tied directly into the MSU Police Department is available in the common area of each floor.

The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services group chronologically monitored the project from beginning to end, through photographs and descriptions of the ongoing work placed on the Mayo Construction Website.