Plan to build residence halls in works

Barnes Gromatzky and Kosarek Architects with Michael Dennis & Associates provided a presentation Monday outlining ideas they have for new residence halls.

After completing their master plan, they predicted that the completion of all new dorms would take 30 to 40 years.

Built between 1911 and 1989, the 39 residence halls on campus house more than 9,781 students. But with an expanding student population, the architects hoped to counter the population growth by building two residence halls by fall 2011.

The sites for the two new dorms are on Northside at University Drive and Wellborn Road and Southside at George Bush Drive and Bizzell Street. They looked at current building configurations, utility infrastructure and the impact on transportation and parking and dining services to accommodate student living.

There was a concept to develop living, learning communities on the floor level of residence halls to heighten a students' educational experience. The goal is to increase interaction between students and create academic and social support networks.

The developers said that initial construction would not require the demolition of current structures; however, subsequent residence hall projects may require it.

The plans called for building the dorms on existing parking lots and the developers are studying the impact of parking availability once construction begins.

The developers want to create "green" buildings that enhance indoor environmental quality, use green building materials and install energy efficient heating and cooling system.

The next step in their plans is to determine cost of the plans, which they said will be a priority.

The residence halls will provide elevators and opportunities to park closer to the halls in to make moving easier while marinating close-knit, learning friendly environments.

While the plan to replace or fully renovate existing resident halls is absolute, the developers hoped to do one additional round of renovations for the Quad to allow the Corps of Cadets to continue living in its present location.

The plans for new dorms pertain to non-cadet residence halls.

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