Muleskinner

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Drew Woolery: Muleskinner The Foster Hall will be undergoing nearly $1 million in rennovations to create better student accomodations. It is the hall's first rennovation in 24 years. [Click to enlarge]

Foster Hall, part of Foster-Knox campus apartments, will get its first renovation in 24 years this summer, at an estimated cost of $800,000.

University Housing generally renovates one residence hall during a summer.

It had considered renovating Foster for about a year, said Patrick Bradley, senior director of University housing and residential dining services.

"We were talking about [renovating Foster] for some time within the department," John Slobaszewski, assistant director of University Housing, said. "The apartments in Foster-Knox need attention."

The renovations will begin in May and be completed by August 1, for the 2008-2009 school-year. It is funded by University Housing's capital improvement budget. The renovations are going to be contracted internally, headed by Jim Matthews at the physical plant, Bradley said.

Housing administration did not include the Knox portion of the building in the renovations because of the space needed for summer school students. However, they might renovate it in the future.

Bradley also elaborated, "It's been a challenge to shut down and renovate the entire building because it is always open, so we are doing it in phases."

University Housing is creating a housing master plan with the University Master Plan committee, so the outcome of the plan will pinpoint how the funds will be allocated for next summer.

"The Housing Master Plan will indicate where capital improvement funds will go and which residence hall is deemed the highest priority of University Housing," Bradley said.

Each of the 46 apartments in the hall will receive new appliances and improvements. They will all be installed with upgraded ceilings and new air-conditioning units, stove, refrigerator, kitchen counters, kitchen table, four two-position chairs, tissue holder, medicine cabinet, soap holder, towel bar, back splashes, range hood and bathroom exhaust fan. Additionally, upgrades, such as new carpet, a fresh coat of paint and new bedroom and bathroom lights, will be installed.

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