Restored and remodeled log cabin offers free building and wi-fi use for students, residents

Project funded by Tax Increment Finance Authority, compliments recent Downtown developments geared towards student community

The Downtown Education Nook (the DEN) situated on the corner of Auburn and Squirrel Roads in the heart of Downtown Auburn Hills, officially opened for use this week, offering the community a comfortable facility for studying, leisure, or meeting with small groups.

The cabin is complete with two fireplaces, free wi-fi, comfortable seating as well as private desk spaces and five separate rooms providing students and the community with both quiet and casual study spaces for individuals and small groups. Open late for studying, the DEN's current operating hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday, and 2 p.m.-midnight on Saturday and Sunday. A building attendant will be on duty to assist patrons of the building with any questions or address any issues.

The 1,564-sq-ft historical log cabin is owned by the Auburn Hills Tax Increment finance Authority (TIFA) who began work on the project more than two years ago. Originally built in 1836, the cabin maintains its original character, while adding a modern aesthetic. The cabin was redesigned by Glenda Meads Architects in Birmingham, restored by Woodlake Construction in Troy and has completely re-worked interior elements designed by Dakin Design, also located in Birmingham.

The completion and opening of the DEN finishes off a group of downtown development projects by the city and TIFA that focus on the student population of Auburn Hills. The University Center (an educational facility with classroom space for use by the surrounding colleges, universities and public schools) held its first classes this month and the four-story, 97-unit Auburn Square Apartment complex is seeing good occupancy numbers after opening last fall.

Media contact: Tom Tanghe, Assistant City Manager/TIFA Executive Director, ttanghe@auburnhills.org, 248-370-9440