Original Construction
1901
Completion Date
2014
Size 
13,000 sqft
Construction Cost
$4,200,000
Awards
2015 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Building Award
State Register of Historic Places

Chittenden Hall, Michigan State University’s first dairy building, housed the department’s commercial dairy operation and provided academic and laboratory spaces. It was dedicated as a part of the Michigan Agricultural College campus in 1901. The building now remains as an integral part of what has become the core of Michigan State University; it is one of a selection of early buildings that constitute the school’s original “laboratory row”. The two-story masonry building with a full basement of approximately 13,000 square feet is a fine example of a simple in form-and-detail, utilitarian, turn-of-the-century academic building.

HopkinsBurns Design Studio was asked by the University to rehabilitate the building as the new home for the Michigan State's Graduate College. The project involved restoring, replacing, and repairing interior surface treatments. Exterior restoration included reconstruction of original dormers; window replacement; upgrading mechanical and electrical systems; and making modifications for accessibility, including the design of a new handicapped accessible plaza on the South side of the building to allow students to gather.

All work was performed to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.