Whirlpool gift provides new appliances

The quality of housing for summer faculty has taken a sizeable step forward. An initiative from the Interlochen Board of Trustees helped raise more than $100,000 for much-needed renovations and improvements to a large number of Interlochen’s summer housing units. Members of the Alumni Board also participated in the initiative.

Interlochen maintains more than 70 units of housing for its summer faculty. Since 2005 more than half of all the summer housing units have received some sort of improvement, including five units that were gutted and rebuilt.

In addition, nearly all units will have some sort of new appliance, thanks to a generous gift from the Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool donated 57 refrigerators, 57 microwave ovens and 38 stoves, which are being installed in housing units throughout campus.

"Whirlpool Corporation is proud to support Interlochen and play a role in the important work of educating the next generation of young artists," said J.C. Anderson, Senior Vice President for North American Operations at Whirlpool.

It costs an average of $10,000 to renovate each housing unit, and Interlochen’s Maintenance Department will continue to work on units as funding allows. "We're off to a healthy start, but we have a long way to go," said Ann Hanson, Vice President for Human and Institutional Resources.

More than a dozen housing units have received new roofs, and all of the housing in Emerald Beach has received fresh exterior paint. Several units have received updated furniture and fixtures , and renovated bathrooms and kitchens. In some cases, plumbing and electrical infrastructure had to be replaced.

If you would like to support the efforts to improve housing for summer faculty and staff, contact Interlochen’s Office of Advancement at 231.276.7623.