OCC Board vote on ground lease approval supports plans for Orchard Ridge campus as center for health, wellness and athletic programs

The Oakland Community College (OCC) Board of Trustees approved an important step toward the College’s vision for its Orchard Ridge campus as OCC’s center of health, wellness and athletics.  
The OCC Board approved a Ground Lease Agreement with Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club (LCAAA). 

The agreement follows more than a year of planning, listening, and collaboration on and off campus. The partnership with LCAAA, one of the nation’s leading non-profit youth hockey programs, advances the vision that began taking shape in June 2024 to enrich to student and community life at Orchard Ridge. 

With the Board’s approval, OCC and LCAAA will continue working together to develop a joint athletic complex and hockey facility on the Farmington Hills campus. Planning will continue on key details, including facility design, costs, timelines and operations.  

“We appreciate all of the employees, students, community members, local government and businesses who participated in a series of Community Engagement Forums that helped bring us to this point,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. “Concepts will turn to action as we explore opportunities for multiple academic programs from Culinary and Hospitality to new sports medicine-related programs that support our students and meet the needs of our community.” 

“Together, we will develop plans to deliver the best facilities in the most efficient and innovative way possible for both of our organizations. Now, we are able to create a plan to enhance the student experience, support enrollment growth, and elevate athletics and academic opportunities,” added Provenzano. 

About OCC            
Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by  Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at  oaklandcc.edu.   
            

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