| Bower House | |
| Former Names: | Vlach-Bower[1] |
| Building Type: | House |
| Owner: | MSU SHC |
| Location: | 127 Whitehills Dr East Lansing, Michigan, 48823 |
| Coordinates: | 42.7454°N -84.4828°W |
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]
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]
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]