Jul 22, 2025

MSU advances greenhouse renovations with new headhouse

Michigan State University has completed construction of a new headhouse at its Plant Science Research Greenhouse Facility, marking a significant milestone in a multi-year renovation project funded by the state and university.

The updated headhouse supports more than 400 greenhouse users and features expanded workspaces, including rooms for soil mixing, potting, vernalization, pesticide storage, root washing and plant photography.

“Many researchers at MSU study plant roots, an often forgotten, yet very important, part of plants,” said Chrislyn Particka, director of the facility. “The new headhouse offers a large sink with a soil trap so that users can more easily and quickly wash roots for their research projects without worrying about clogging drains.”

Upgrades are part of a $65 million investment — $53 million from the Michigan Legislature and $12 million from MSU — aimed at replacing aging infrastructure.

By January 2025, two of five new greenhouses will be complete. The final three are expected to be finished by November 2026. Renovations include modern environmental controls, LED lighting and higher ceilings to support a wider range of research.

Prior to this project, many greenhouses dated back to the 1950s through 1980s and presented structural and environmental challenges to researchers.

George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch, said continued investment is needed even after current renovations conclude, with 40% of the greenhouse space still awaiting upgrades.

Read more about the MSU greenhouse updates here.