[Chronicle]

May 10, 2007
Vol. 26 No. 16

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    New plans, modifications being made on new residence hall on south side of Midway

    By Julia Morse
    News Office

    University officials have modified designs and pushed back the construction calendar for Chicago’s newest residence hall, which is currently under construction south of the Midway.

    The University has renewed its lease at Shoreland Hall through the 2008-2009 school year in order to provide sufficient housing for undergraduates until the new facility is complete.

    Alterations to the building’s design, which will allow costs to remain within the Board of Trustees-approved $165-million budget, include a scaling down of the central tower from 14 floors to nine, resulting in a bed reduction from 885 to 810. There are other programmatic changes being implemented, including the elimination of a computer lab.

    Administrators noted that regardless of changes to the building’s design, the most distinctive and important aspects of the residence hall designs remain, including varying room sizes, student lounges and a library.

    “It is not often in major construction projects that one has the option to take as much time as is needed to meet all of the objectives—programmatically, financially, aesthetically,” said Cheryl Gutman, Deputy Dean of Students for Housing & Dining Services.

    “We are fortunate in this case that the flexibility to remain in the Shoreland was there, so we could ensure the building outcome at the new dorm will be a great place for Chicago College students to live.”