MSU to Vote Oct. 31 on Scaled-Back Gateway Plan

Michigan State University's Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote Oct. 31 on a significantly scaled-back plan for the Spartan Gateway District that would scrap the previously approved $150 million, 6,000-seat Olympic arena and a planned health-care zone. The revised proposal would refocus the development on mixed-use retail, office space, dining, housing and possibly a second campus hotel, with university leaders saying changing athletic facility needs and site suitability prompted the revision. The planning phase will analyze multiple campus locations, examine use of existing facilities for Olympic sports, and seek new developer proposals, effectively ending the roles of earlier-selected developers Gillespie Group and Goldenrod Companies. MSU expects funding to come from fundraising and the general fund and aims to minimize university spending through public–private partnerships. University leaders say the changes align with MSU's Vision 2050 goals and the strategic priority of fostering community engagement while responsibly supporting athletic programs.