Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Research Facility

Historic Name(s): Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Research Facility, “New Greenhouse”

Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Research Facility

Date Constructed: August 1997

Architect: Jatah Associates, Inc., Ann Arbor

Style of Architecture: Post Modern

Original Use: Greenhouse

Dates of Renovation: None

Current Use: Greenhouse

History: After almost 50 years of service, the greenhouse at Hover Laboratory had become too old and antiquated for further use. The university decided to build a new greenhouse.

Changes in design and location of the proper contract caused repeated delays in the building. At last, plans called for a 1,158 square foot building comprised of three separate rooms in which the climates can be controlled. There was also to be an aquatic room with three rows of aquariums in which the temperature and aquatic environment can be individually controlled.

Funding for the greenhouse was provided in part by a $365,565 grant from the National Science Foundation. EMU pledged an additional $222,000. The rest of the money came from donations and fundraisers assisted by the University’s development office.

The new greenhouse complex directly benefits the students and faculty of the biology department, and it indirectly benefits all students by adding a new building to the science department.