George Washington residence halls are being spruced up this summer.
Maintenance workers will be busy installing new carpeting, appliances and window improvements in residence halls before the fall semester starts. Many buildings also will have upgrades intended to enhance access for people with disabilities.
Three residence halls are closed for improvements, and the newly built Pelham Hall is scheduled to open in the fall.
"Each year the university dedicates capital to repair and make enhancements to the residence halls," says Alicia O'Neil, senior associate vice president of operations. "Our goal is to modernize facilities in order to ensure a quality residential experience for our students."
Residents of the Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis residence hall will see upgrades to the fire alarm system and elevators. New stoves, toilets and sinks will be installed in all rooms. Some units will get new kitchen and bath cabinets, and the lobby will have new furniture. Hallway ceilings will also be replaced. Two new kitchens will be installed in Strong Hall for incoming sororities, and several features will be added including a rear entry ramp and door. Carpet will be replaced at The Aston, and repairs will be made to the exterior façade.
At Mitchell Hall, new pipes for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) will be installed, and hallway ceilings will be replaced. Lafayette Hall closed its doors this June for a one-year $10.5 million complete renovation. The building will reopen in the fall of 2011. In addition to renovating all of the units, the building will see new HVAC systems, new fire stairs and a new elevator. It will also have several upgrades, including a new entrance. Window restrictors – devices that restrict the amount a window can be opened – will be installed in all high rise residence hall windows that do not already have them.
The majority of work should be completed by the time the fall semester begins.