Construction of GSW's New Residence Halls in Full Swing
6/28/2006
(Source: Staff Reports, The Americus Times-Recorder, June 28, 2006 )
The second phase of Georgia Southwestern State University's $30 million residence hall construction project is in full swing.
Demolition crews are currently completing the removal of Peyton Jacob Hall, an outdated dormitory next door to Deriso Swimming Pool. In its place will rise Southwestern Pines, a 231-bed modern living center. The three-story, 81,000-square-foot facility will feature apartment living for upper-class students. Construction is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2007.
"Peyton Jacob Hall was 40 years behind the times, as today's college students demand a higher level of comfort and convenience in on-campus housing," said President Michael L. Hanes. "This ambitious construction program demonstrates GSW's commitment to remain competitive with other institutions, and continue attracting high achieving students. Growth and progress form the foundation of our plans for the future."
Meanwhile, across campus and adjacent to the James Earl Carter Library, the first phase of residence hall construction is nearly complete. Southwestern Oaks, a 403-bed housing complex of 108,000 square feet, will offer first-year students modern, suite-style living beginning this fall.
"Our students are excited about these housing improvements," Hanes said. "We look forward to the completion of these projects."
The construction project is being supported through the Georgia Southwestern Foundation Inc., and financed by tax-exempt bonds.
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) hosted a special ceremony in February to officially mark phase one of the construction of the $30 million residence project.
The ceremony was held in front of the construction project where workers were hammering nails and drilling screws.
“Close your eyes and just listen,” said Ginger Starlin, who serves on the GSW Foundation Trustees, to the audience on that February day. “This is an exciting day for our community.”
Starlin said GSW realized a few years ago that student housing needed to be improved to enhance the institution and to attract more students. “Today’s students don’t want to live in old-fashioned dorms anymore,” said Starlin.
Starlin urged the people in attendance to go out in other communities and sing the virtues of GSW.
Hanes reiterated what Starlin said about GSW needing updated housing facilities. He said a 1997 study revealed that 25 percent of the total buildings on the GSW campus were in poor or uninhabitable condition.
“Today’s college students expect a certain level of comfort and convenience in their on-campus living arrangements,” Hanes said.
“This bold step forward symbolizes our commitment to remain competitive with other institutions and continue attracting high-achieving students. This gives students one more good reason to earn an education at GSW. We are excited to officially recognize the start of construction on this housing project that will revolutionize student living at Georgia Southwestern. We thank the members of the community for their support.”
Darcy Schraufnagel, assistant Dean of Students at GSW, said student housing doesn’t determine whether a student has a good college experience. She said it’s the relationships that a student makes that make college life enjoyable.
But Schraufnagel agreed that the new housing will only enhance the lure of GSW. She said GSW students have been heavily involved in this $30 million housing project, and will even help pick out furniture for the new housing facilities.
In October 2005, trustees of the Georgia Southwestern Foundation Inc. voted unanimously to support the estimated $30 million project that will add 634 beds to the campus during the next two years, according to information provided by GSW. A limited liability corporation, formed through the Foundation, is facilitating the process.