Sidney, MichiganEstimated Completion: Summer 2026
Montcalm Community College, Student Housing
Montcalm Community College, Student Housing
Montcalm Community College is taking bold steps to expand opportunity for its students and community. Following the recent completion of the Smith Instructional Building, a state-of-the-art facility for nursing and medical education, the college set its sights on another transformative goal: offering on-campus housing for the very first time.
MMA partnered with MCC to bring this long-term vision from the master plan to life. The new residence hall, designed to accommodate up to 84 full-time students, will open on the Sidney Campus in fall 2026. Our work began with a site feasibility study and evolved into a concept design process with Progressive Companies and the college that carefully connects the new housing to existing academic and athletic facilities, as well as to the campus trail network and surrounding rural landscape.
Builder
Construction Simplified
Engineering
Progressive Companies
The housing itself is designed as a hybrid style of living that blends the best aspects of both traditional dorms and apartments. Each unit houses 6–8 students in shared bedrooms with communal living, dining, study, bath, and laundry amenities. This approach is efficient yet comfortable, fostering a strong sense of community while also providing privacy and personal space. Corridor commons expand the student experience beyond individual units, offering flexible areas for group gatherings, studying, dining, or simply relaxing. The overall design is flexible, personal, and supportive of the student lifestyle—helping residents feel at home while thriving academically and socially.
The addition of student housing supports MCC’s broader mission to foster a vibrant student culture, especially as athletics return to campus. For many community colleges, particularly those in rural areas, on-campus housing has proven to be a critical tool for attracting and retaining students who may otherwise face challenges with long commutes or housing affordability. By creating a welcoming, community-centered living environment, this project not only enhances student life but also strengthens MCC’s role in supporting the education and economic vitality of the region.
