Foundation Halls: North and South

Built: 1959 | Type: instruction and research, administrative and auxiliary

North Foundation Hall

South Foundation Hall

Quick Facts

• • Ground-Breaking Ceremony: May 9, 1958
  • Building Dedication: October 1, 1959
  • Cost: $1,799,254.27
  • Architect: Swanson Associates, Inc.
  • Construction: J.A. Fredman, Inc.
  • Funding: A generous donation of $2,000,000 was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Alfred G. Wilson for the construction of both buildings.
  • Specifications:
    • North Foundation Hall: 67,691 sq. ft.
    • South Foundation Hall: 55,041 sq. ft.
  • Namesake: The Foundation Halls are named in tribute to the Michigan State University Oakland Foundation, an organization of 50 community members who played an active role in founding and developing the university during its earliest years.

History

Deliberately unembellished buildings, North and South Foundation Halls have remained relatively spartan throughout the years, in accordance with the philosophies of Oakland University's founders.  From the university's inception, emphasis has been placed upon the institution's function rather than form, making academics and growth the main focus of both Foundation Halls.

Since 1959, South Foundation Hall has remained predominantly classroom-based in output . In 2021, a major renovation and expansion of the building started, to provide an additional 13 classrooms to the previous 37, supporting programs for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Conversely, North Foundation Hall has over the years become home to a variety of university offices designed to assist and guide its students and faculty.

North Foundation Hall (side entrance)

South Foundation Hall (back entrance)

South Foundation Hall expansion (2021)

Quick Facts

• Renovation Start Date: February, 2021
• Cost: $40,000,000
• Architect: Hanbury
• Funding:
  • $30,000,000 State Capital Outlay
  • $10,000,000 Oakland University Bonds
• Specifications: 25,000 sq. ft addition

South Foundation Hall is home to the Department of Modern Languages and Literature classrooms, including a recently updated language lab. In addition to classrooms, the hall has been used to display student artwork and host the Upper Midwest Regional Ethics Bowl in 2018.  The renovation and expansion project will provide an additional 13 classrooms to the previous 37, supporting programs for the College of Arts and Sciences.