Residential Life is trying to move dorm life into the 21st century with the construction of a new residential hall and the renovation of four others.
Construction of the $32.7 million Graham Hall complex continued over the summer, and the $12.7 million renovations to Blake Hall also began.
The physical building costs are $21 million for Graham Hall and $9.4 million for Blake Hall.
The changes are the next phase of Residential Life’s masterplan.
The completed Graham Hall will hold 400 beds and consist of two separate buildings. One will hold the engineering residential college; the other will hold the business residential college.
The renovations were originally scheduled to be completed by October 2007, but Mimi LaValle, Residential Life communications director, said the renovations are now expected to be finished by January 2008.
“Because of the hurricane and increased cost of construction, it will take a little bit longer to finish,” LaValle said.
An information technology residential college was also planned for Graham Hall, but Residential Life decided to keep the group in Broussard Hall.
“The renovations are about 30 to 40 percent finished as of now,” said Steve Waller, Residential Life associate director for facilities.
Despite Graham Hall’s inactivity this semester, Residential Life does not have a shortage of space.
“We are estimating about 4,500 claims for beds, and we have that covered,” said Renee Snider, associate director of operations.
Blake Hall is undergoing a $12.7 million renovation, featuring a new wing-suite style. Blake will house the College of Architecture residential college.
“This will change the face of housing at LSU. Students want contemporary housing and the experience of living on campus,” LaValle said.
Construction on East and West Laville and the Pentagon buildings is also planned.
The new $34.8 million Laville Halls will have a library, living room and courtyard.
Renovations to West Laville are scheduled to finish in 2009, but East Laville will not be finished until 2011. The physical building costs for the Lavilles are estimated at $23 million.
Renovations to Lejeune Hall in the Pentagon is complete.
—–Contact Ryan Duncan at rduncan@lsureveille.com