When Stockwell Hall reopens next fall after extensive renovations, it will offer upgraded facilities and new community spaces. The amenities, abundance of single rooms and campus location also will provide an appealing choice for returning students — regardless of gender.
Since opening in 1940, Stockwell has been a distinctive home on campus for women only. Based on limited demand for all-female housing, and broader interests in campus living options, University Housing has determined that Stockwell Hall will reopen as a coeducational residence.
Stockwell was one of five all-women University residences, including Betsy Barbour and Helen Newberry residences, Martha Cook Building and Henderson House. Student requests for all-female housing at U-M significantly have diminished over the years, as they have at many other universities, housing leaders say. The oversupply of all-women housing at U-M affected male and female student choices for housing and influenced the population mix in some coeducational residence halls.
“The renovation of Stockwell offers a greater variety of housing options to students interested in living on campus,” says Linda Newman, interim director of University Housing. “We need to rebalance the availability of women’s housing to the larger preference for coeducational living. At the same time, we can increase the availability of single rooms desired by returning students — women and men. With improved amenities and expanded community spaces, Stockwell will be an attractive setting for any returning student.”
Even with the change of Stockwell to a coed population, there still will be adequate spaces to fulfill all-female housing requests. During the past few years, the number of requests has been slightly less than half of the approximately 800 available spaces within the all-women residences.
University Housing initiated a series of discussions and forums last January to present the concept of a coeducational population at Stockwell Hall. The majority of student responses welcomed a coed community in Stockwell. Additionally, respondents endorsed the vision of providing a facility and community that would support student success during the middle phase of undergraduate life.
“It’s exciting to have a final decision on the designation of Stockwell,” says Ashley Londy, president of the Residence Halls Association. “What is especially important to RHA is that the decision was made after student input, and dedication to giving students what they want. It is our understanding that female-only housing will remain available, and that Stockwell will offer more students access to single rooms closer to central campus.”
Recognizing Stockwell’s history as an all-women residence, Housing officials say there are plans to develop an appropriate tribute to the heritage and contributions of women at the University.
The renovation of Stockwell Hall is a key project of the Residential Life Initiatives, a planned approach to revitalize and expand U-M housing facilities. While preserving the Tudor Revival architecture and interior character, outdated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety systems, technology and elevators will be replaced. Amenities will include air-conditioning and wireless Internet access, lounges, kitchenettes and remodeled community bathrooms.
Additionally, the former dining hall area will be reclaimed as new community spaces for a learning center, music practice, recreation, lounge and informal performance. The new Hill Dining Center replaces the dining facilities within Stockwell, Mosher-Jordan, Alice Lloyd and Couzens halls.
