Put into place in the 1960s by Grand Valley State University’s facilities department, the infamous tunnels underneath the university have been a hub for gossip. What goes on in these tunnels? Why do we not know more about them? How many students have been lost in the depths of these underground mysteries?

Although these tunnels are home to many cobwebs and an indeterminable amount of tunnel-dwelling insects, after Lanthorn investigation, nothing
American Horror Story worthy has occurred in this location.

Factually, the tunnels were constructed to carry the various utility needs (steam, chilled water, electric) to the Lake buildings, Manitou Hall and other original buildings on campus. These tunnels provide the primary means for distribution of heating, cooling, electric and cable needs throughout campus. They are essential to successfully maintaining services to many of the buildings throughout the Allendale Campus.

Across campus, there have been many speculations as to what the tunnels are used for. Some say they are put in place for teachers to use for easy access to classrooms, others say they are simply a haunted part of campus.

“These utility tunnels are confined space locations that require limited, monitored access. There is no public access opportunity,” said Tim Thimmesch, associate vice president of facilities services. “The tunnels aren’t too mysterious – basically concrete walls with a lot of cabling and piping. Somewhat like walking through a dimly lit hallway. We continue to expand the tunnel system to accommodate new construction projects.”

These tunnels run at least the length of campus with additional length in additions to new building developments and other areas with campus access. The entrances to the tunnels allow for fresh air flow into the tunnel to ensure proper circulation throughout its entirety. All entrances are locked and only able to be accessed with proper qualifications to ensure that the tunnel is being used for its intended purposes.

The campus utilities building, in addition to housing the main entrance to the tunnels, is host to 13 student employees who work on maintaining the tunnels throughout the year. One of these jobs includes cleaning the tunnels during the winter months. Often, student employees will start cleaning the entrance of the tunnels and, by the time they get further down the tunnel, they have to go back and clean the entrance due to the tunnel’s vast expanse.

In relation to any odd happenings in the tunnels, it seems as though nothing out of the ordinary has ever occurred. The tunnels are mainly focused on facility use and maintenance reasons.

“Nothing has happened that I would define as weird,” Thimmesch said. “The issues that we have dealt with relate to issues of low level flooding or mechanical issues. Certainly items that are important to our maintenance staff that work to keep the campus operational, but nothing too exciting to our students.”

As interesting as a haunted tunnel would be on campus, this myth will have to be classified as “busted.” For now, the only unusual happenings going on below the ground at GVSU are hot and cold water-related.

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