Southeastern to meet demand for campus housing
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University will soon begin construction of two new
student housing facilities to meet growing demand for campus living options. The multi-faceted
project is slated to begin in June with residence halls move-in set for fall 2018.
“This project is the culmination of an internal goal to provide our students
with modern, tech-friendly living spaces,” said Vice President for Administration
and Finance Sam Domiano. “We are proud to be able to incorporate new facilities on
campus that will add to our on-campus housing offerings, enhance programming and benefit
our students for years to come.”
The approximate $36 million undertaking is being funded as a third party financing
project through University Facilities, Inc., an affiliate organization of the university.
Bonds are sold to secure funds, with rental fees and other housing and auxiliary revenues
used to secure the debt. The project is supported by self-generated revenues, and
is not funded with state dollars.
A unique feature of the facility will be the incorporation of a hybrid geothermal
system for heating and cooling – the first of its kind in the state. This system is
projected to reduce energy costs by more than 50 percent, and will also serve as a
learning laboratory for real world experiences for Southeastern students in various
disciplines.
The four-story buildings will be situated on the western side of campus north
of Texas Drive and feature 556 beds available in a mix of shared double and private
double semi-suites.
Designed with student programming in mind, community corner lounges for socializing,
as well as quiet study rooms will be located throughout the buildings. In addition,
multipurpose space will be provided on the first floor of each building. The configuration
of these rooms, and the integrated technology, is intended to house classes, as well
host various social, entertainment, and other educational events.
The northernmost building will include a retail food venue on the first floor
that will be accessible from within the building and also from a north entrance. It
will include seating for up to 50 people. The south building will have a technology
enhanced living/learning classroom space capable of seating up to 40. Wireless card
readers will replace keys to enhance security, providing secure building and individual
room entry.
Zachary Taylor Hall will remain in use until the completion of construction of
the two new residence halls. The full project encompasses several phases and includes
the development of green space, configuration of parking lots, paving of walkways
and the addition of adjacent plaza areas.