Spectrum - Volume 19 Issue 27 April 10, 1997 - New residence halls discussed at committee meeting

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New residence halls discussed at committee meeting

By Sookhan Ho

Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 27 - April 10, 1997

Representatives from two architecture/engineering firms presented schematic designs for a new residence hall next to Cochrane Hall and for a dining-hall addition to Cochrane to the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Visitors at its recent meeting on campus.

Committee members were also briefed on projects under construction by vice president for finance and treasurer Ray Smoot, director of design Scott Hurst, and assistant vice president for facilities Spencer Hall.

Lane Abernathy and Hall Davis from Tobey and Davis Architects of Reston presented drawings for an expanded dining facility for Cochrane Hall. The new facility will serve students relocated to new residence halls in that area from the Upper Quad. The additional area, about 7,500 square feet, will consist of two triangular spaces, one of which will be taller than the other. The different heights help retain an open feel between Ambler Johnston and Cheatham halls, said Hurst, and, by mimicking the dual heights of the existing building, will ensure a balanced appearance to the overall structure.

Ted Porter from Hanbury Evans Newill Vlattas of Norfolk presented schematic drawings for a project to construct a residence hall next to Cochrane Hall. The 74,000-square-foot, four-story facility will include 256 beds, lounges, and studies, as well as kitchen, laundry, and recreation space. Occupancy is scheduled for Fall Semester 1999. Hokie stone will be used in the facade, which will also feature a combination of flat and sloped roofs. Its architectural style will recall the "Collegiate Gothic" style predominant on campus, said Hurst.

Construction recently started on two new residence halls on "Pritchard Prairie," a large area bounded by Pritchard, Lee, and O'Shaughnessy halls at one end and Owens and Memorial Gym on the other. The new halls contain a total of 128,256 square feet that will house 440 beds. The halls will feature modern suites that will have sleeping and living rooms and a shared bathroom. The suites can accommodate four or six students each. The residence halls will also have lounge, kitchen, and laundry space. Occupancy is scheduled for fall '98 semester.

The committee also received progress reports on several projects around the Spring Road area. The stadium parking lot, women's softball field, and the track/soccer complex are all scheduled for completion this spring or summer.

Hurst said construction is expected to begin this spring on the realigned portion of Spring Road. This portion will stretch from Stadium Road to Southgate Drive and connect with Tech Center Drive. Meanwhile, closure of Stadium Road is under way to prepare for construction of the Student Health and Fitness Center.