While Thomas Hall and West Road Garage were receiving large-scale renovations this past summer as a part of the university’s strategic plan, the residence halls at Loyola underwent changes of their own.
Over the break, the lobbies of Biever, Buddig, Carrollton and Cabra Halls were repainted, given new furniture and carpeting, along with other design changes that brought plenty of color and liveliness to the student buildings.
According to Craig Beebe, director of Residential Life, lobby renovations are part of the university’s strategic plan, Loyola 2012, for student affairs.
“Previously, residence hall lobbies were less colorful,” Beebe said in an e-mail.
“We thought it was important to breathe life back in to the lobbies, as they are an important space to students for meeting and socializing.”
Vice President of Student Affairs and Provost M.L. “Cissy” Petty said the lobby designs were shared with SGA leadership, design boards were displayed in the Danna Center during the spring semester, and boards were on display in residence hall lobbies throughout the summer.
Liz Volpi, sociology sophomore and Carrollton Hall resident, believes there should have been more student input on the matter.
“My money is going towards something I didn’t have a say in,” she said. “I don’t think the money was put toward something that really needed to be done.”
Rather, Volpi said the money used for lobby renovations could have been saved and put toward renovating Buddig Hall in its entirety. Others, however, enjoy the changes.
“I like the way the green matches the Residential Life (staff) shirts. I also like how the desk is more open,” Josh Bouterie, psychology sophomore and Carrollton Hall resident, said about Buddig Hall.
Planning began in January and lobby renovations were completed in August. These renovations cost approximately $75,000 to $100,000 for each lobby.
Petty said residence hall renovations are ongoing. She also said Beebe and Amy Boyle, assistant director of Res Life, will work with Residence Hall Association and Resident Assistants for both long and short-term development of residential shared spaces, such as kitchens, lounges and study areas.
Another change made by Res Life this summer was the addition of jazz portraits and replacement of common room furniture in each Carrollton Hall suite and apartment.
Instead of couches and armchairs, students have green and orange chairs and an ottoman in their room.
According to Donna Adams, Carrollton Hall area director, the furniture needed replacement because it was ripped, stained and in overall poor condition.
“Residential Life had an amazing opportunity to purchase the furniture that is currently in the rooms,” Adams said.
While the furniture is brand new, some residents like Volpi have expressed their dislike of the changes in the common area rooms.
A few reasons being that students would rather have couches to be able to nap on in front of a TV and to offer friends a place to sleep.
“I would prefer a couch when my roommate wants privacy,” Bouterie said.
Adams said although there aren’t couches in the room, there is plenty of space for residents and their guests.
“I think most people would rather couches than armchairs for the sake of comfort and practicality,” Volpi said.
According to Beebe, the total cost of furniture replacement in Carrollton Hall was approximately $30,000.
Precious Esie can be reached at [email protected]
