“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” - Malcolm XToday, Flint has more college students than the communities home to Princeton and Yale universities. The Genesee Towers revitalization is an opportunity to re-purpose this abandoned high-rise for higher education with a mixed-use structure that furthers the U. of M. — Flint’s economic, cultural and educational role in the community now and for the future:First Floor College Cooperative Café -At the corner a new ground floor student hangout, a café to be run by College of Management business majors as a “hands on project”, provides a coffee house, a venue for student performers and artists, as well as part-time student jobs. Orientated to the street, the café brings activity and commerce to the area.First Floor Urban Health & Wellness Education Center -This satellite facility teams the Schools of Education and Human Services and Health & Professional Services to bring health education and counseling to the community in a first floor storefront setting, providing students training and experience in their fields of study, while performing community service.Floors Two — Nine, Existing Parking Garage -The existing parking floors, with their low floor-to-floor heights, remain to serve parking functions.Floors Ten — Eighteen, Married & Graduate Student Housing -Diverse, non-traditional, students preparing, or re-training, for the new 21st century workforce, need distinct housing choices. The converted office floors provide these students apartments at this downtown location. Student residents, in turn, help enliven and revitalize their new urban neighborhood.Top Floor Town & Gown, Faculty Club & University Outreach Offices —The tallest spot in town, with its panoramic views, becomes a new Faculty/Community Club reviving this location with new dining, banquet and meeting facilities that provide a setting for interaction between Town & Gown. The offices of the Alumni Association & Office of Extended Learing further community outreach at this prestigious location with the shared meeting facilities.Roof Top University Beacon — The revitalized tower is crowned with a new beacon, a colossal University of Michigan — Flint sign, visible for miles, symbolizing the power, pride and hope of education and the city of Flint.
View Original