Bower (Co-op)

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Bower House
Bower House co-op.JPG
Bower (Co-op)
Former namesVlach-Bower [1]
General information
TypeHouse
Location127 Whitehills Dr East Lansing, Michigan, 48823
Coordinates 42°44′43.4″N84°28′57.9″W / 42.745389°N 84.482750°W / 42.745389; -84.482750
Owner MSU SHC

Bower is a student housing cooperative located in East Lansing, Michigan, USA, and a member of the Student Housing Cooperative at Michigan State University. The house has been operating as a co-operative since 1947, and as an active member of the MSU SHC since 1971. It is well known for having a strong history of eco-friendly action and activism. [2]

Contents

History

The house was founded in 1947, and named after Bob Bower who was killed during World War II. At the time, Bower was primarily a co-op for war veterans. It remained an all men's house until the 1960s when Vietnam veterans began to occupy the house. [3]

In 1971, Bower joined the SHC and went on to become known as one of the most vegetarian, and vegan-friendly houses in the MSU SHC. The house is also well known for being very environmentally aware through its eco-friendly recycling and shopping habits, as well as a fair amount of activism that has been channeled through the house. [4]

Structure

Bower house has three floors, seven bathrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen. In 2015, Bower had 19 occupants; however the City of East Lansing permits up to 24 occupants. The front yard contains an organic garden, as well as an outdoor compost. [5]

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References

  1. Raymond, Joan. "Kaplan: Adjusting to Dorm Living". www.newsweek.com. Newsweek. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  2. "MSU Student Housing Cooperative". www.ic.org/. Fellowship for International Community. Archived from the original on 21 April 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  3. "Bower". www.msu.coop. MSU SHC. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  4. Gruner, Allie (23 July 2008). "MSU Alternative Housing Creates Model for Collaborative Living". Capital Gains. Capital Gains. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  5. "Bower". www.msu.coop. MSU SHC. Retrieved 23 March 2015.