New Dorm open and filling up quickly

Most of the Student Body has probably noticed the construction on 22nd and Chew Streets. If you have not seen it, or you are wondering what it is, that new building is a new dormitory and students have already moved in. The unnamed dormitory currently being called 2201 Chew Street is one of the new buildings currently being built on campus. "Our mission with these buildings was to give juniors and seniors another option. We ultimately want the building on 22nd St. and the new MacGregor Village to be the buildings to replace Robertson and South", said Aaron Bova, Associate Director of Residential Services.

The new dorm at 2201 Chew Street was constructed by Penn Lyon Homes, and has 12 apartments with double bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. The facility has been described as magnificent. "The only thing left to do, besides a few fixes inside, is the parking outside. Right now, students are parking on stone gravel, which is fine, and we will start paving in April, when the weather gets warmer," explained Bova.

The student residents could not be happier. "I am very happy to now be living on campus in the new dorms, as opposed to Tremont," stated Kyle Casey '08. "I love being in the new building." All the students had an easy time moving in when the construction was finished. Aaron Bova and a moving crew helped the students move heavy items and big boxes into the new dorm. Casey said, "Move in day was easy because of Aaron Bova and the moving crew."

Students who were moved from Benfer Hall to Tremont Apartments last fall due to the increase in size of the incoming freshman class, had first dibs on living in the new dorm. The students were taken on a walk through of the building, provided with boxes by Residential Services and had the help of Bova's moving crew. Bova also moved seniors out of MacGregor Village so that during Senior Week, they will not be inconvenienced when construction is slated to begin over there.

The big project that just started is the new MacGregor Village. Currently, Kullman Industries has finished building the first new building, almost completed building two, and just started building three. The buildings will hopefully be ready for next year. "These buildings will be terrific. The students will love them," Bova insisted. Eventually, Kullman will finish five buildings in total, with three floors in each building. Four apartments will have four single bedrooms and twenty-six apartments will have three single bedrooms and one double bedroom. Each will have full kitchens and an extended living space. "When Robertson opened a few years ago, it was the place to be. I expect the same with the new MacGregor. When we took a walk through at the Kullman Industries, I was astonished about how good they looked. In two years, everyone will fight over these apartments," claimed Bova.

The most important thing for Residential Services is publicity. Once the new buildings become popular among the Student Body, they will become landmarks on campus. All of the apartments, for now, will be treated like M.I.L.E houses and go through M.I.L.E housing lottery.

Students and faculty can check out the blueprints and floor plans for 2201 Chew St. and the new MacGregor Village outside of Residential Services.