Talent, technology, and innovation in forefront for Campus Development

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees approved revisions to the Center for applied research and Technology (CART) covenants to encourage the growth of the Smartzone as an innovative place to live, work and play.

According to a press release from the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC), the CART was originally referred to as University Park when it was established in the 1980s but is now marketed as the Smartzone District. The revision’s purpose is to continue to progress to remove barriers for development in the Smartzone District by altering the covenants, whichwere last amended by the CMU Board of Trustees in 2005.

The Smartzone District is located on the south end of campus. Development of the area transitioned to CMURC in 2015. CMURC continues to play a key role in creating an inclusive entrepreneurial experience in the Smartzone.

“This land is a prime opportunity to create an innovative place focused around technology companies,” said CMURC President and CEO Erin Strang, “The revisions to the covenants bring us one step closer to implementing the conceptual design plan — developed by Gibb’s Planning that highlighted the unique prospects of the District.”

The conceptual design plan put forth by Gibb’s Planningwas endorsed by the City Commission and approved by the CMU Board of Trustees. It can be found at cmurc.com/sites/default/ files/041619_ conceptualdesign_ pln. pdf.

The Smartzone development is set to encourage a sense of place by creating a culture of innovation. With strategic partnerships and emerging talent, the hope is to attract businesses to the Smartzone District.

Visit cmurc. com/ smartzone/ Tech%20park to learnmore about development in the Smartzone.