With deconstruction of the Danna Center starting in May, students feel left in the dark and are leery of the immediate affects of Loyola’s master plan.
Economics freshman Charlotte McCray is highly opposed to deconstruction of the Danna Center.
“I like it as is and I think it’s a waste of resources. It’s also a bummer that I won’t be able to use the new center for most of my time at Loyola,” McCray said.
At the same time that the Monroe Hall renovations start, construction is scheduled to begin on a new residence hall and student center in the place of the Danna Center.
“If they think it’s necessary for us to go without the Danna Center, the administration should let us know in a more clear way what their plans are,” said Mary Mikuls, political science sophomore. “I had no idea they were tearing the Danna Center down.”
According to the University Master Plan currently there is an over abundance of non-desirable space located in the basement of the Danna Center.
The current building’s large footprint creates an inefficient floor-to-area ratio and there is no room to grow. There are also life-safety issues regarding the amount of emergency exits.
Ken Munoz of Mathers Brierre Architects was selected to design the new building. At a recent forum designed to draw student input in the new design, Munoz said, “What we want to do is draw out what’s unique about Loyola.”
The current plans are to be an urban high-rise style building. The first three floors will be used for the student center and the next five floors as a residence hall. Plans have also been made to connect the Residential Quad to the Peace Quad.
“I like the idea of deconstruction of the Danna Center as long as it’s going to improve campus life,” said Adam Mayon, music performance junior.
Some students like the idea of construction but have some concerns.
“I think the construction is a good idea but I’m more concerned about where I’m going to get my coffee,” said Victoria Barkley, business sophomore.
Carl Harrison can be reached at [email protected]
