Oakland Drive Campus
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Oakland Drive Campus is a campus of Western Michigan University. It is the university's newest land acquisition. The campus, acquired in 1998, was originally state property used by the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. The hospital is still leased to the state and remains in operation, although in a more limited role. Geographically, it is generally located between West Campus and East Campus, allowing for a natural accessibility. A focal point of the area is the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital Water Tower. Completed in 1895, this 175 feet tall gothic-style construction can be seen from many areas on campus and in town. The new Oakland Drive Campus buildings are located on Oakland Drive, north of the hospital and water tower.
The Oakland Drive Campus is home to the university's College of Health and Human Services. The college's new $48.2 million facility opened in 2005, with a total building space of 195,000 square feet. An interesting design feature is the "winter garden", a 3-level open atrium and commons area with floor to ceiling transparent windows. This feature has become popular in northern climates, as featured in the renovated Renaissance Center in Detroit and the Chrysler Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As of May 2007, the building has yet to be named.
The Oakland Drive Campus is also home to the WMU Army ROTC program. This program was recently named the best large program and the best program overall in the 9th Brigade. The 9th Brigade covers all Army Reserve Officer Training Corps programs in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and the northern part of Illinois. WMU Army ROTC was also selected by the United States Army Cadet Command as the winner of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America award for the Western ROTC Region. This award is only one of three awarded nationwide.
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