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]

Bower House
Map
Former namesVlach-Bower[1]
General information
TypeHouse
Location127 Whitehills Dr East Lansing, Michigan, 48823
Coordinates42°44′43.4″N 84°28′57.9″W / 42.745389°N 84.482750°W / 42.745389; -84.482750
OwnerMSU SHC

History

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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

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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]

References

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  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.