2008 Woodie Awards
Parking improvements, new dorms in works for PSU
Tonya Tomory
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Front Page
The existing dorms will also see some remodeling with the improvement plan. Stewart says he plans to refurbish all existing dorms with new cabinetry, doors, flooring, windows and casework. Air conditioning and fixtures will be added to Mitchell Hall and the piping in Dellinger will be replaced.
"I think it's about time," said Marissa Vantellman, junior in commercial graphics. "Some of those dorms are in desperate need of a facelift."
In addition to fixing the existing dorms, PSU is planning to build a new dorm complex, which will hold 200 students. These dorms will be a complex of smaller buildings with suites to include a living room, kitchenette and at least one bathroom.
Jason Smith, junior in electrical technology, says the campus needs the new dorms and cleaning up the existing ones that he lived in when he first came to PSU.
"I wish they would have had them when I was a freshman," Smith said.
The new dorm complexes will also contain a central activity building, where laundry facilities will be available.
Three sites are being considered for the new dorms.
One site is where the existing east campus apartments are now. The existing apartments have been vacant for several years and would be torn down.
The second possible site is between McPherson Hall and the Weede Gymnasium along the hike and bike trail. Stewart says there could probably be four complexes built in the grassland there.
The other site being considered is north of Shirk Hall and the existing north campus dorms. Land north of Shirk Hall would be acquired by PSU. If this location goes through, there would be more parking added in these lots as well.
"I'm really excited about it," Stewart said. "I think it's a very positive step."
Costs for the dorms and existing dorm renovation are estimated at $12 million right now. Funding for these projects will become available July 1. The Kansas Board of Regents and the Joint Building Committee on State Building Construction will oversee the project, as they do all state buildings.
Hiring an architect to design the final improvement plans will take 60-90 days, Stewart says.
"I think it's about time," said Marissa Vantellman, junior in commercial graphics. "Some of those dorms are in desperate need of a facelift."
In addition to fixing the existing dorms, PSU is planning to build a new dorm complex, which will hold 200 students. These dorms will be a complex of smaller buildings with suites to include a living room, kitchenette and at least one bathroom.
Jason Smith, junior in electrical technology, says the campus needs the new dorms and cleaning up the existing ones that he lived in when he first came to PSU.
"I wish they would have had them when I was a freshman," Smith said.
The new dorm complexes will also contain a central activity building, where laundry facilities will be available.
Three sites are being considered for the new dorms.
One site is where the existing east campus apartments are now. The existing apartments have been vacant for several years and would be torn down.
The second possible site is between McPherson Hall and the Weede Gymnasium along the hike and bike trail. Stewart says there could probably be four complexes built in the grassland there.
The other site being considered is north of Shirk Hall and the existing north campus dorms. Land north of Shirk Hall would be acquired by PSU. If this location goes through, there would be more parking added in these lots as well.
"I'm really excited about it," Stewart said. "I think it's a very positive step."
Costs for the dorms and existing dorm renovation are estimated at $12 million right now. Funding for these projects will become available July 1. The Kansas Board of Regents and the Joint Building Committee on State Building Construction will oversee the project, as they do all state buildings.
Hiring an architect to design the final improvement plans will take 60-90 days, Stewart says.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Tom Earp
posted 4/10/08 @ 3:59 PM CST
First off, I never understood why PSU would close Dorms space down.
Second, I never understood blocking off the street running past the Student Center. (Continued…)
Jon Anderson
posted 4/11/08 @ 3:11 PM CST
As a former resident, Resident Assistant, and Assistant Hall Director I am very happy to see that they are making improvements to the University dorms, and adding new ones. (Continued…)
Ron Rice
posted 4/14/08 @ 10:19 AM CST
I was a resident and Resident Assistant for 4 years, as well as a member and Exec for Residence Hall Assembly. I was sent to regional and national conferences where many times we stayed on campus at these schools. (Continued…)
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