When One ‘Dorm’ Closes, Another One Opens

In July, the demolition of Patterson Hall marked the beginning of progress on USF’s new three-story residence hall. The project is projected to cost 11.7 million dollars and it will be the first new dorm in more than a decade.

“Where’re going to see construction all year round. Right now they call it a closed envelope. The tight envelope would be that it would sealed completely by December. From that point it would be all internal walls,” says Corey Ross, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students.

The residence hall will have 94 rooms. “The room style is where we have two bedrooms that have a bathroom in the middle that they share. So its semi-private, but it’s not self contained like an apartment complex,” says Ross.

Amenities will include a lounge and kitchen space on each floor, a gym, TV area, a Laundromat, and students will also be able to control their own heating and AC. Another unique factor of the residence hall is that it will be connected to the library.

Ross says the idea of connecting the new residence hall to the library was just practical, as it will help to keep students connected. This will also make USF, as it will be one of a few schools in the nation where students are housed in the same building as the campus library.

Unlike the other dorms on campus, the residence hall will provide housing for all four classes. This will give underclass the benefits of being close to upperclassmen who can help them succeed while here at USF.

Currently, updates have been completed on Burgess, Grand Island, and Kroske. Construction is also underway on the new parking lot. The residence hall will be completed late in the summer of 2017.

Story by Whitney Fryer & Jill Langland