McDonel Hall Sunny

McDonel Hall

River Trail Neighborhood

McDonel Hall is centrally located on campus and serves as the home of the Residential Business Community (RBC). Its proximity to the Broad College of Business makes it a popular choice among business majors. Inside McDonel, you'll find Sparty's mini-market, the River Trail Engagement Center, and the nearby Thrive Dining Hall in Owen. This makes McDonel a lively and convenient community for both new and returning Spartans!

Fun fact: McDonel Hall is named after Irma and Karl McDonel. Karl was secretary to the State Board of Agriculture, which is now the MSU Board of Trustees.

For a 360 tour of a room in River Trail Neighborhood visit: liveon.msu.edu/360Tours

A bright residence hall room is arranged with two lofted wooden beds on opposite sides and desks positioned beneath them. Sunlight streams through a large central window overlooking campus buildings. The room includes shelves, storage drawers, plants, framed artwork, string lights, a white area rug, and personalized decorations throughout. The layout creates an open shared living space with study areas, organized storage, and comfortable seating.

A decorated residence hall room features a lofted wooden bed with light green bedding, Michigan State University-themed wall décor, and a cozy storage area below. A white dresser is topped with plants, framed photos, and storage containers. Nearby are a mini refrigerator with a microwave on top, open shelving stocked with snacks and supplies, string lights, and a bulletin board filled with photos, notes, and mementos. A round wall mirror and green-and-white storage bins add to the organized, personalized space.

Floor Plans

  • Double Room

    Floor plan dimensions are approximate — room size and furniture dimensions can vary from room to room. 

    Mcdonel hall floor plan

Building style: Midcentury modern 

Neighborhood: River Trail

Year built: 1963

Number of Floors: 6

East McDonel Service Center: 517-353-1292

West McDonel Service Center: 517-353-1602

Engagement Center: McDonel

Address: 817 E. Shaw Lane
East Lansing, MI 48825

Building Features

  • Suite-style bathrooms
  • Double-style rooms
  • Gender Inclusive Floors
  • Fully furnished
  • In-room Wi-Fi
  • Co-ed floors
  • Barrier-free housing
  • Bike storage
  • Music practice room
  • TV lounge
  • Meeting space

McDonel Hall Location

42.726894
-84.467748

Want to see more?

Explore other halls in River Trail Neighborhood.

Van Hoosen Hall l Shaw Hall | Owen Hall

East McDonel Service Center

517-353-1292

West McDonel Service Center

517-353-1602

Photo of Adam

Community Director 

Adam Lindoo
lindooad@msu.edu
517-884-6657
 

Photo of Alison

Assistant Director of Residence Education

Alison Sinadinos
sinadin4@msu.edu

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Facilities Manager

Aaron Minnis
minnisaa@msu.edu

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Neighborhood Administrative Coordinator 

Cameron Morton
517-884-0745
morton34@msu.edu

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