Number Of Beds In Current Residential Units (as of August 1, 2000)
| Residence Halls | |||||
| Doubles | Singles | Suites/Quads | Triples | TOTAL | |
| Colman | 110 | 22 | 132 | ||
| Kohler | 72 | 48 | 120 | ||
| Ormsby | 100 | 19 | 119 | ||
| Plantz | 130 | 37 | 167 | ||
| Sage | 62 | 39 | 44* | 145 | |
| Trever | 124 | 49 | 173 | ||
| TOTAL | 598 | 214 | 44 | 856 | |
| * All suite/quad-style rooms in Sage Hall are doubles | |||||
| Small Houses/Theme Houses | |||||
| Doubles | Singles | Suites/Quads | Triples | TOTAL | |
| 733 E. Alton/Draheim | 6 | 18 | 3 | 27 | |
| 739 E. Alton/Sabin | 8 | 4 | 12 | ||
| 711 E. John/Hulbert | 2 | 6 | 3 | 11 | |
| 738 E. John | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | |
| 741 E. John | 10 | 7 | 17 | ||
| 742 E. John | 6 | 5 | 11 | ||
| 739 E. College | 6 | 4 | 10 | ||
| 122 N. Union** | 10 | 2 | 12 | ||
| 128 N. Union** | 10 | 1 | 11 | ||
| TOTAL | 60 | 50 | 9 | 119 | |
| ** New additions to the student housing stock for 2000-01. | |||||
| Longer Term Group Housing | |||||
| Doubles | Singles | Suites/Quads | Triples | TOTAL | |
| 129 N. Lawe/Co-op | 4 | 2 | 3 | 9 | |
| Fraternity Quad | 70 | 45 | 115 | ||
| TOTAL | 74 | 47 | 3 | 124 | |
| Emergency Housing | |||||
| Doubles | Singles | Suites/Quads | Triples | TOTAL | |
| Brokaw | 54 | 11 | 65 | ||
| Trever/Plantz Guest Rooms | 4 | 1 | 5 | ||
| TOTAL | 58 | 12 | 70 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 790 | 323 | 44 | 12 | 1169 |
INFORMATION GATHERED DURING VISITS
TO INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS
The following information was gathered during a series of visits to residential units by Task Force members in May and June 1999. It does not represent a comprehensive survey of all facilities in every residential unit on campus. Rather, it presents a snapshot view of a number of the residential facilities. Visits were carefully planned to take place during term-time so that Task Force members could experience, as far as possible, typical living conditions on campus. During the visits, Task Force members were shown a random selection of individual student rooms by residents. In some instances, student comments were recorded and have been included below. Task Force members also visited the principal common spaces in each unit and assessed the overall attractiveness and adequacy of the facilities.
RESIDENCE HALLS
Colman Hall (1956)
Capacity
Houses 132 students, sorority meeting rooms & kitchen, commuter lounge,
meeting rooms for music fraternities.
22 beds in singles and 110 beds in doubles (55 double rooms)
Singles: 102-136 sq. ft. Doubles: 192 sq. ft.
6 RLA singles
Student Rooms
All double rooms are the same size. Most single rooms are uniform in size as well. All single and double rooms have one sink, a built-in closet, and tiled floors. In each room, the heat can be closed off. In the two student rooms visited by Task Force members, the following electrical appliances were noted: (Room A) one computer, one printer, two boom boxes, two extra lamps, one fridge; (Room B) one computer, one boom box, one printer, one fridge, one TV/VCR.
Common Spaces
The first floor computer lab is very attractive. The second and third floors each have two study spaces. The fourth floor has only one, very stark, study space. The first floor lounge is a beautiful, somewhat formal, room. It is well-used. Adjoining the lounge on the south-east is a very nice courtyard. The TV lounge in the basement has ping-pong and foosball tables but is rather stark. The TV itself is small.
SAI and Phi Alpha Sinfonia each have meeting rooms.
The kitchen is not inviting and has a very old sink. Each floor has a common microwave and sink. The laundry room has four washers and four dryers.
On the first floor, there is a commuter lounge. The room is kept locked and has lockers inside it. Overall, it is a lovely room with large north-facing windows and nice furnishings. This room can be booked for other events.
The first-floor sorority rooms are spacious, very nicely appointed and have large windows. The sorority kitchen is a decent size with two large sinks and locked wooden cupboards. There is sufficient storage space for four groups to divide up easily. There is also a large room in the basement in which the sororities can hold functions.
Distinguishing Features
Each room has a sink. The sorority wing is part of the residence hall. Lucinda's provides a dining service for breakfast and lunch (Monday-Thursday)
Kohler Hall (1967)
Capacity
Houses 120 students
48 beds in singles and 72 beds in doubles (36 double rooms)
Singles: 122-176 sq. ft. Doubles: 229-297 sq. ft.
6 RLA singles
Student Rooms
Doubles are average size or large. Although rooms are deemed to be quiet and clean, the closet is too small (like Colman) and the small window in each room can only open on one side at a time. Each room has a sink and a tiled floor. Heating in rooms is not adjustable. One student commented that she is always either too cold or too hot. In the two student rooms visited by Task Force members, the following electrical appliances were noted: (Room A) one boom box, one TV/VCR, one computer, one printer, one fridge; (Room B) one TV/VCR, one boom box, one computer, one printer, one microwave, one fridge.
Common Spaces
The first floor lounge is uninviting and has an out-of-date appearance. The basement TV lounge and vending rooms are stark. Each floor has a lounge furnished very unattractively with one couch, one chair, and one table. The kitchen facilities in the basement have been recently renovated. There are no kitchens on individual floors. In one instance, a small space for a kitchen was filled with boxes. The laundry area is adequate. Each floor has a small pressing room with large sink and space for hanging wet clothes. A computer lab is located in the basement.
Distinguishing Features
Rooms are shaped uniquely. The circular hall is quieter than those in more traditionally-designed residence halls (e.g. Plantz). Each room possesses a sink. It is a substance-free hall.
Ormsby Hall (1889, renovated 1972)
Capacity
Houses 119 students
19 beds in singles and 100 beds in doubles (50 double rooms)
In 1998-99, nine students were housed in the French Block
Singles: 152-176.5 sq. ft. Doubles: 189-210 sq. ft.
6 RLA singles
Student Rooms
Rooms are variable in size, but all are adequate. The wood floors and closets are rated highly by students. Some first-floor rooms (popularly known as "the pit") have an ugly dropped ceiling.
Task Force members heard complaints about insufficient electrical outlets and that "the pit" gets very hot as heating cannot be regulated. The student room visited by Task Force members contained the following electrical appliances: a fridge, a microwave, one computer and one TV. A power strip was used to provide the necessary outlets.
Common Spaces
The spacious first floor lounge has great potential with large, attractive windows. It is, however, sparsely furnished and uninviting. The hall entryway is also uninviting. The large computer room in the basement is nice. Although located in an appropriately sized room, the kitchen is spartan and needs renovation. The TV room is small, closed-in and uninviting. There is a reasonable study room in the basement. Laundry facilities are average. There are no study rooms on individual floors. The second and third floors each have a small kitchenette with microwave, stove/oven and fridge. The bathrooms seemed fine. Showers are in a separate room. The resident/shower ratio seems to be too high.
Distinguishing Features
Home to the French language block and "the pit." Rooms are of various sizes and have high ceilings and large closets. The residence hall is smoke-free.
Plantz Hall (1960)
Capacity
Houses 167 students
37 beds in singles and 130 beds in doubles (65 double rooms)
Singles 140 sq. ft. Doubles: 186 sq. ft.
8 RLA singles
Student Rooms
Singles and doubles have standard sizes throughout the residence hall. The doubles are of a reasonable size. Each room has large windows . It is possible to open both sides of the windows at the same time. Rooms have tiled floors. About half of the rooms have built in closets. New furniture with wardrobes has recently been installed. The residents of the student room visited by Task Force members had a TV/VCR, a computer, a printer and a fridge in their room .
Common Spaces
The present first floor lounge is very uninspiring. It has the potential, however, to be inviting if the furnishings were significantly enhanced. The entryway is cold in appearance. The first floor computer lab, by contrast, is very nice. The basement is large with lots of open space. It appeared to have great potential for large parties/dances if redesigned. The kitchen is recently renovated and is adequate. Laundry facilities also seem to be adequate. There are several unremarkable study spaces in the basement. There are no study spaces or lounges on individual floors. The long narrow halls tend to encourage residents to shout down the hall. In general, the hall tends to be noisy (many freshmen are housed here) but everyone gets to know everyone else.
Distinguishing Features
Plantz Hall is the only residence hall located adjacent to College Avenue. Its location near the conservatory also distinguishes it. There is also a large faculty/staff parking lot on the north side.
Sasaki Campus Plan (1995)
"Except for the proximity to the Conservatory, Plantz is not a highly desired residential location for students. Given its age and condition, a renovation versus conversion decision will need to be made in the next several years. . . . Given the current condition of the building and its lack of popularity as a place to live, complete reconditioning will be necessary for any long-term continued use. Planned in conjunction with a residential renovation program that creates new and improved housing in the west and east campus areas, renovation for conversion to administration could be accomplished without impacting housing availability. . . . Location of most of the administrative functions in Plantz would "free" the central campus of functions that do not require such a central location. The impact of relocating housing from the north side of College Avenue is difficult to assess. It would be a benefit to consolidate housing into the "bookends" where interaction and relationships to student life functions can be maximized and to locate another important University function north of College Avenue. Functions now in Landis Peabody and Brokaw could work well in this location. Admissions could stay where it is with improved connections to related administrative functions such as financial aid."
Sage Hall (1917, renovated 1972)
Capacity
Houses 145 students
39 beds in singles, 62 beds in doubles (31 double rooms), and 44 beds in
quads/ suites (22 double rooms--all suite/quad-style rooms are double rooms).
Singles: 110-122 sq. ft. Doubles: 195-255 sq. ft. (in suites/quads)
7 RLA singles
Student Rooms
There is a variety of room styles and sizes. Quad-style rooms consist of two doubles and a common sitting room. Suite-style rooms also consist of two doubles and a common sitting room but also have an en-suite bathroom. Rooms are bright and airy with most having large windows. Rooms have tiled floors. They are furnished with short, moveable, stackable closets. It is not possible to hang dresses in these closets. Heating is not adjustable with an on/off option only. Single rooms with only one window are described as "hot boxes." Rooms require power strips in order to accommodate students' usual electrical appliances.
Common Spaces
There is a lovely first floor lounge which is nicely furnished and well used. The TV lounge in the basement is large with facilities for ping-pong. It is currently designated as a smoking lounge. There is also a smaller non-smoking TV lounge. There are study spaces on floors (not seen by Task Force members). The basement study spaces and computer lab are small and hot. The basement also houses a large meeting/group room with plenty of tables and chairs. The laundry facilities in Sage are the largest on campus. The kitchen has a very small stove and microwave and, in general, is uninviting. The hallways throughout the building are labyrinthine with the result that neighbors seem further away.
Distinguishing Features
A residence hall that houses upperclass students. The only residence hall on campus that offers suite- and quad-style rooms. The elegant main floor lounge also distinguishes this residence hall.
Trever Hall (1963)
Capacity
Houses 173 students
49 beds in singles and 124 beds in doubles (62 double rooms)
Singles: 144 sq. ft. Doubles: 192 sq. ft.
8 RLA singles
Student Rooms
All doubles are configured with the same size and shape throughout the residence hall. Similarly all singles have an identical floor layout. Large windows in the rooms can be opened on both sides at once and offer nice views. Rooms have tiled floors and built-in closets. The closet is full-length on one side and shorter on the other.
Common Spaces
The first floor lounge is probably the most nicely furnished lounge of all the residences visited by Task Force members. The furniture is laid out in such way that it divides the space into a series of smaller, more intimate "rooms." The TV lounge in the basement is nice with an open feel and carpet throughout. The laundry facilities are among the best on campus--very spacious with room for hanging clothes. One room offers facilities for ping-pong and foosball. There is a library room across from the laundry which contains one old table. The computer room on the first floor is nice and bright with windows. The kitchen is recently renovated. It has a linoleum floor. Individual floors have microwaves tucked into small alcoves originally designed for floor phones. Bathrooms have group showers. Much of the basement is used for physical plant storage.
Distinguishing Features
Although Trever Hall has the same footprint as Plantz Hall, the overall character of the residence is quite different. Perhaps most importantly, it is situated in a quiet, residential neighborhood. There is a nice green space on the west side of the building appropriate for recreational use.
SMALL HOUSES/THEME HOUSES
729 E. Alton (Sabin House)
Capacity
Houses 12 students
4 beds in singles and 8 beds in doubles (4 double rooms)
Student Rooms
The student rooms vary considerably in size. Task Force members saw a large a large, attractive double with no closet. The rooms are carpeted.
Common Spaces
Sabin House has a nice sized living room with comfortable furniture. It also has a well-equipped, nicely cared for kitchen. Windows can be opened. There is one bathroom on each floor which is cleaned by a housekeeper three times a week. There is one washer and dryer in the basement. No study area or computer room is provided.
Distinguishing Features
It is an attractive house that is well cared for.
Student Comments
Small houses such as Sabin House offer a style of living that is more comfortable, less institutional and more like home than that offered in residence halls. Students also enjoy the ability to cook and share meals together.
742 E. John St. (Outdoor recreation house '98-99)
Capacity
Houses 11 students
5 beds in singles and 6 beds in doubles (3 double rooms)
Student Rooms
Individual rooms vary in size and shape. Task Force members saw a small but cozy single. Larger rooms exist in the house. Size of room didn't seem very important to residents.
Common Spaces
The house has a very small living room area. The kitchen is of average size with very basic equipment. There are hardwood floors and windows that open. The basement has one washer and dryer and additional room for bicycle storage. There is one bathroom on the first floor and one on the second floor. There is little regulation of heating possible--the heating can only be switched on or off. There is no study area or computer room.
Distinguishing Features
742 E. John is a relatively small house with a front porch and an attractive wood staircase.
Student Comments
Students residing in this house see living there as a privilege. Instead of having one room in large residence hall, residents at 742 E. John feel like they are experiencing "real living with other people." They also feel that living in the house encourages responsibility. Freshmen, however, should continue to live in halls because more people "cross your path and you have more choices about who you choose for friends." Most students living here eat at Downer though they may make a simple breakfast at the house.
Other Small/Theme Houses
Draheim
Houses 27 students
18 beds in singles, 6 beds in doubles (3 double rooms), and 3 beds in a triple
Single: 96-168 sq. ft. Double: 166-178 sq. ft.
739 E. College
Houses 10 students
4 beds in singles and 6 beds in doubles (3 double rooms)
711 E. John (Hulbert)
Houses 11 students
6 beds in singles, 2 beds in a double, and 3 beds in a triple
738 E. John
Houses 8 students
3 beds in singles, 2 beds in a double, and 3 beds in a triple
741 E. John
Houses 17 students
7 beds in singles and 10 beds in doubles (5 double rooms)
122 N. Union
Houses 12 students
2 beds in singles and 10 beds in doubles (5 double rooms)
128 N. Union
Houses 11 students
1 bed in a single and 10 beds in doubles (5 double rooms)
In general, small houses consist of two floors with a full bathroom on each floor, and a kitchen and a lounge/living room on the lower floor. There are usually no other common spaces. Hulbert house has more bathrooms than other small houses because it used to be the guesthouse. Generally, singles range in size from 63 to 163 sq. ft whereas doubles range from 168 to 252 sq. ft.
LONGER TERM GROUP HOUSING
The Quad (1941 & c. 1961)
Capacity
Each building houses 23 students
In general there are 9 beds in singles and 14 beds in doubles (7 double rooms)
Singles: 96 -138 sq. ft. Doubles: 108-178 sq. ft.
Student Rooms
Task Force members toured the Phi Delt House. There were nine tiny singles and seven doubles. Some of the doubles consist of two rooms with a connecting door. In the double that Task Force members visited, there were two small fridges,two TVs and two small closets. The university furnishes student rooms in the Quad. It should be noted that these buildings were not originally designed to have single bedrooms. Each building had bunk rooms in the corners and the "singles" were designed to be single study rooms. Consequently the single rooms in the Quad are very small. Rooms have tiled floors.
Common Spaces
The fraternities furnish all the common spaces except the kitchen. There is a big living room area with comfortable sofas on the first floor. A small library/study and a computer room are located on the first floor. The basement contains an unattractive dining room with tables, old sofas and a large TV. There is a full kitchen adjacent to the eating area. The laundry facilities and bathrooms were not viewed. Windows in common spaces can be opened.
Distinguishing Features
Houses make up a five-house fraternity quad with a common courtyard area in the middle.
Sasaki Campus Plan (1995)
Sasaki proposed building one two story unit on the east side of the Quad. The proposed unit "would fit in this location assuming the demolition of the existing houses facing onto Meade. This alternative is attractive because it allows completion of the residential quad with new units meeting the future needs of the University. The visual quality of the Quad is currently compromised by the backyards of the existing houses. This proposed type and scale of housing will, if carefully designed, maintain the residential scale of the campus edge." Sasaki characterized it as "an excellent location vis-à-vis other housing and the other student life facilities. Two Theme Houses would be removed that accommodate a total of 28 students. It is assumed that the new units would be preferable to what is being removed. Phasing the project by first constructing a module of 25 units on the northern part of this site would allow testing the new unit type without displacing any students."
Co-op House/129 N. Lawe
Capacity
Houses 9 students
2 beds in singles, 4 beds in doubles (2 double rooms), and 3 beds in a triple
EMERGENCY HOUSING
Brokaw Hall (1910)
Capacity
Houses 65 students (on the third and fourth floors only)
11 beds in singles and 54 beds in doubles (27 double rooms)
4 RLA singles
Singles: 105-144 sq. ft. (larger singles have closets or support beams taking up
floor space) Doubles: 152 sq. ft.
Sasaki Campus Plan (1995)
"The gross square footage of Brokaw is 33,500 permitting 85 suite style beds assuming the building can be efficiently planned. Brokaw contains 67 (sic) beds on two floors for an estimated four floor capacity of 134 beds as currently configured. Recognizing that a renovation plan for a historic building like Brokaw will likely result in a combination of room types and sizes (rather than all suites), it is reasonable to estimate that the building could accommodate 100 new beds. The renovation of this icon building will insure its preservation as a critical part of the campus environment. Next to the Chapel and Main Hall, Brokaw is the most important building on campus when viewed from the Green and College Avenue. Brokaw has a critical relationship to Colman and Ormsby as an anchor building for the west campus residential area. Its restoration as a desirable residential building will be an important step in clarifying the nature of the west campus as a living environment as opposed to the "mixed use" environment that exists today.... Given the importance of Brokaw as an icon building, its renovation should be assumed to be a given. There will be a premium for a restoration that returns the building to its original elegance."