Buildings @ Oakland University
Greek Cottage District
Quick Facts
- Building Dedication: 1957
- Cost: Given as part of Alfred and Matilda Wilson's gifts of their various assets towards the foundation of Oakland University.
- Architecture and construction: Built in 1918, the cottages feature country-style architecture. Over the years, various renovations have been made to update the interiors and exteriors of the residences, from the installation of new carpeting, bathrooms, and storm doors to the addition of appliances and home furnishings.
- Funding: Funding has been provided through Oakland University directly for the maintenance of the cottages over the years, but members of various sororities and fraternities have given portions of their chapter dues and residence fees towards the upkeep of the district.
- Specifications: 2,000 sq. ft. per building (four two-story buildings in total)
- Namesake: Once used to house members of the Meadow Brook farms' staff as well as graduate assistants and faculty members, this collection of homes is also known as the Greek Cottages due to current use by various fraternities and sororities.
History
The Cottage District has become an integral part of Oakland University's housing culture over the years. The four residences were first used as housing for staff members of Meadow Brook Estate; this usage was discontinued in the 1950s as the Cottages passed from the Wilsons to the University through the donations of the formers' estate.
The cottages fell into minimal rental usage by university faculty and staff for several decades. It was not until 2004, when various chapters of Oakland University's Greek student organizations applied for housing within the cottage district, that the Cottages were able to enjoy more continual usage.
For more information, visit Oakland University Greek Cottages.
Photos courtesy of the Oakland University Archives.