U. spend $1 million on repairs, amenities

The University spent more than $1 million this summer transforming the University into a more comfortable living environment. Much of the money spent by the University was part of the normal spending cycle of dormitory repair, according to Residential Maintenance Director Lynn Horner. The additional resources were used to renovate Houston Hall and beautify several residences. The high rise lobbies, as well as lounges in Mayer, Nichols and Van Pelt dormitories received new furniture and carpeting. New artwork, furniture and a large screen TV were also added to the W.E.B. DuBois College House. The renovations were based on suggestions from students, faculty and staff. According to Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone, the changes were an attempt to make the residences feel "homey" so students would want to use the lounges. "We were looking for high visibility aesthetic changes that students would appreciate," she said. According to Horner, approximately $600,000 worth of showcasing money was spent on the repainting, recarpeting and refurnishing of High Rise North, Kings Court and English House. This showcasing was part of a five-year cycle in which several dorms are renovated each year, she added. The amount spent this year is consistent with previous years. In addition to the dormitory repairs, Houston Hall underwent extensive renovation. The floor was retiled, the furniture was reupholstered and new chairs have been added. Director of Student Life Activities and Facilities Fran Walker is pleased with the results. "We're very happy with the way the building looks now," she said. Blow-ups of archived University photos -- from 34th Street in the early 1900's to graduating classes -- were also mounted at key locations throughout the university. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said these murals share the unifying theme of reclaiming tradition. The locations for these pictures were chosen strategically, she added. "We tried to choose areas in which students' lives are centered in order for their lives to be enriched by the culture," said McCoullum. Some of the money for the additional improvements was contributed to the project by former interim President Claire Fagin's office, in order to celebrate President Judith Rodin's arrival. Before leaving her post, Fagin transferred $227,000 to the VPUL office to advance the sense of community on campus. The VPUL contributed additional funding as did the office of Art Gravina, vice president for Facilities, for the Houston Hall renovations.

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