LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University will receive $13 million in state funding to help build the new Northern Enterprise Center, a project lawmakers say will strengthen the university’s business education programs.
The funding, included in the state’s recently approved budget, will help pay for the nearly $23 million project. The 30,000-square-foot addition to the Hedgcock Building will house NMU’s College of Business and include classrooms, student collaboration spaces and new cybersecurity labs.
State Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, said the funding became a priority after legislative leaders toured the campus earlier this year.
“When Speaker Hall came up back in the early part of summer, he was given a tour of NMU, and that was really vital in helping us when we put the budget together to put some of those items, those line items aside,” Bohnak said.
Bohnak said the Legislature ultimately approved nearly $13 million for the project, calling it an investment in one of the university’s growing academic strengths.
“Every university has their specialty, and NMU is focusing on business,” Bohnak said. “This business complex that will be built with the help of state funds is something that’s vital to NMU and its mission.”
According to Northern Michigan University, the Northern Enterprise Center will be a 30,000-square-foot addition to the Hedgcock Building. The facility will include classrooms, faculty offices, meeting rooms, study spaces, and cybersecurity labs designed to support the university’s expanding academic programs.
University officials estimate the project will cost nearly $23 million. A construction timeline has not yet been announced.
