Students returning to campus for the fall term will notice substantial enhancements to some of the College’s oldest residence halls.
Members of Facilities Services have spent the summer giving Davidson House, Fox House and Webster House a makeover. This includes fresh paint and new ceilings, floors and lighting. Also, the front lounges in Davidson and Fox were renovated, along with all lounges in Webster.
The front lounge in Davidson House is among several lounges that got a makeover during the summer.
In addition, Richmond Hall received new flooring and fresh paint.
One of the biggest projects involved overhauling all 76 laundry rooms across campus, which includes student housing on Seward Place. Along with fresh paint and flooring, a total of 214 new washers and dryers have been installed across all laundry rooms after the College replaced its vendor.
Student surveys showed that laundry service left many dissatisfied.
One of the biggest projects involved overhauling all 76 laundry rooms across campus, which includes student housing on Seward Place. Along with fresh paint and flooring, a total of 214 new washers and dryers have been installed across all laundry rooms after the College replaced its vendor.
“Residential Education and Facilities Services have fielded numerous complaints about the laundry rooms and their functionality within the Residence Halls,” said Marc Donovan '05, director of Facilities and Campus Planning.
“We heard you. This project, along with the others, aim to improve the residential life experience that remains a high priority for our institution.”
The residential enhancements come at a time when the College’s Board of Trustees recently got its first look at a residential master plan that serves as an ambitious blueprint for student housing over the next decade.
Among the options being considered are the addition of new residence halls, renovations to current buildings, the demolition of others, and continued upgrades to all housing options over the next several years. No decisions have been made, however. Improving the residential living experience is a priority for the College given the increasing competition for a smaller pool of students.
Members of Facilities Services have spent the summer giving Davidson House, Fox House and Webster House a makeover. This includes fresh paint and new ceilings, floors and lighting. Also, the front lounges in Davidson and Fox were renovated, along with all lounges in Webster.
In the meantime, enhancements to current residence halls will continue during the winter term, including new furniture for some buildings, along with other improvements.
“Students spend an average of 71 percent of their time on campus in their residence hall,” said Donovan. “We are committed to making sure the student experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”
Along with the enhancements to residence halls, students will also be served by Union’s new dining services partner, Bon Appétit Management Company. The award-winning food service company is known for its commitment to sustainability and from-scratch cooking, which should improve the overall campus dining experience.