The new residence hall on the corner of Freret and Calhoun streets has sparked a variety of opinions from students on campus. It is one of several construction projects underway this year, with the building nearing completion and scheduled to open in early 2025. Room selection and applications opened on Jan. 15.

The new residence hall will stand seven stories tall, making it the second-tallest building on campus, second only to Buddig Hall. The dormitories will feature exposed brick walls, large windows, and modern laminate flooring and furniture.

More than 600 students will be able to move in starting fall of 2025, and the building will open up the northeast corner of campus for more student activities. The university has invested in a new community center on the first floor of the residence hall, which will be able to host more than 200 guests for events.

When discussing their feelings about the new dorm, some students expressed excitement and eagerness to experience the space.

Popular and commercial freshman Carl Stanton said the new dorms are a great addition to the campus, and provides more variety for students.

“I’d live in the new dorms if I got the chance because they’re brand new and nice,” said Stanton. “It’ll be nice to have a bigger living space.”

The suites will come with refrigerators, ovens, sinks, and stoves whereas the current dormitories didn’t have this option. Each suite will have private bedrooms with living areas connecting them.

“It would be nice to have a kitchen in my private living space to have an alternative to the on-campus dining options,” said freshman business analyst major Zach Spangler.

Spangler pointed out that students who may not prefer on-campus options could enjoy these new resources, giving them the ability to prepare their own meals and offering more individualized diet options.

Room sizes will vary from singles to six-bedroom, three-bathroom suites, providing a range of living options. Students will have the opportunity to share living space with more people than in other campus residence halls.

Freshman neuroscience major Alex Pritchett said he is concerned over the current style and design of the building.

“The brick of the building doesn’t match anything else on campus architecturally, and it’s off-putting,” Pritchett said.

Freshman psychology major Jacqueline Graham said she is optimistic about the new dorm’s potential for fostering collaboration among creative students and providing more study spaces for academic students.

“I’m excited,” she said. “I think it’s a new era for Loyola, and we’re stepping up our game.”