Primary Contact: Caitlyn Perry Dial, Ph.D., Director of Development, Libraries
The MSU Libraries North Plaza project will transform a heavily trafficked but underutilized space at the heart of campus into a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming outdoor hub for the entire Spartan community. The current north entrance to the MSU Main Library presents significant accessibility barriers and fails to provide the kind of engaging environment expected of a world-class university. This capital project directly aligns with MSU's strategic goals to enhance student life and accessibility and is the Libraries' top priority for the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign.
Statement of Need: An Unrealized Opportunity
The north entrance of the MSU Main Library is one of the most significant crossroads of our campus. With its strategic location near Beal Garden, the MSU Museum, and the College of Music, it serves as a primary artery for campus foot traffic, with more than 2 million people estimated to walk through North Plaza annually. Despite this high traffic, the plaza in its current state is a liability rather than an asset. It is characterized by aging infrastructure, a lack of adequate seating, and poor lighting.
Most critically, the North side of the Main Library is fundamentally inaccessible. For the first time, this renovation will install two ADA-compliant ramps at the north entrance. Currently, students and visitors with mobility challenges are forced to use the South entry (Red Cedar), creating an inequitable and unwelcoming experience at the front door of the university's primary intellectual hub. This project will rectify that long-standing issue and turn this space into one of belonging instead of a barrier.
Project Vision
The North Plaza renovation will transform the main entrance into a welcoming, accessible, and multifunctional space designed specifically to be an activated extension of the Main Library. The revitalized plaza will directly impact thousands of students daily by providing a vibrant, supportive environment for study, reflection, and community engagement.
Key features and programming opportunities include:
Universal Design and Accessibility
Beyond ADA ramps, the plaza will feature inclusive landscape architecture with smooth, wide pathways, varied and accessible seating options, and clear wayfinding to ensure every member of the community feels welcome.
Collaborative and Reflective Spaces
The design incorporates a mix of large, open areas for events, tiered seating for classes and performances, and smaller, quieter zones with movable tables and chairs for individual study or small group meetings.
Technology and Sustainability
The plaza will be equipped with robust outdoor Wi-Fi, integrated power outlets for charging devices, and energy-efficient lighting for evening safety. The design will also feature native Michigan plantings and sustainable stormwater management solutions.
A Center Stage for Programming
This space will provide the essential infrastructure for a wide range of activities, including:
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Outdoor classes and departmental receptions
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Student organization fairs and wellness events like campus yoga.
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Small-scale musical performances and art installations in partnership with the College of Music and MSU Museum.
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Library-hosted welcome week events and community open houses.
This project will create a dynamic "front porch" for the library that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivates a deep sense of belonging for all Spartans.
North Plaza Naming Opportunities
Opportunity to name the entirety of North Plaza.
North entry of the Library, supporting two ADA compliant ramps into the building.
South entry of the Library, a common thruway for students and the community.
Focal point of the project, used to host events, concerts, and programs.
Located outside the North entry, designed for additional study spaces or programming.
A key piece to the design of the new plaza will be a new public art installation.
Essential place to park bicycles for students and the community.
Larger spaces designed for students and the community to gather and collaborate.
Designed to pulled in the aesthetics and design of Beal Garden.
Conversational spaces placed around the plaza to foster more connections.
Signs posted at the East and West ends of the Plaza to direct and welcome visitors.
