Extreme Make-Over: Residence Hall Edition

Posted: August 29, 2012

image of Sullivan residence hall
Photo: Sullivan Residence Hall renovation 2012

Each summer, University Housing performs its own version of an extreme make-over. This past summer, more than 60 renovation projects were completed in 13 short weeks. In the steamy North Carolina heat, workers put in hundreds of hours to ensure that students would arrive at a welcoming place to call home.

West Campus
This summer’s biggest renovation project took place in Sullivan residence hall. From May to early August, crews gutted 713 rooms spread over 12 floors. All built-in and old furniture was removed from each room. Floors and doors were replaced, bringing a modernized appearance to the building interior. All walls and ceilings were painted and new furniture was installed. “Planning and implementing a construction project of this size was a huge undertaking,” said Pete Fraccaroli, facilities manager. “The exciting part is when you get to sit back at the end of the project and hear how happy students are with the renovations.” Next summer, this same renovation is scheduled for Lee residence hall, the “sister” building to Sullivan. This summer, Housing installed all new sinks and faucets in Lee rooms.

Central Campus
Returning and new residents to Central Campus are amazed by the natural oasis now nestled between Turlington and Owen halls. This project, known as the Artist’s Backyard, allowed students in landscape architecture to showcase their design skills by transforming a once-barren thoroughfare into an inviting promenade for residents. In addition to beautifying the outside of Turlington, all carpet in the building’s hallways and lounges was replaced and all rooms were painted. Carroll Hall’s 351 rooms received new windows and doors. The entire building, including hallways and residents’ rooms, was painted. The laundry room in Carroll gained additional equipment, a folding table, and was rearranged for better facility access.

East Campus
Watauga, campus’ oldest residence hall, received a “facelift” this summer. All kitchens in the suites were renovated including new flooring, cabinets, countertops and lighting. The elevator in Watauga also received an update. Carrying on with kitchen renovations, Avent Ferry Complex F Building received updated kitchenettes along with new computer furniture in the computer lab. The Triad buildings of Gold, Syme and Welch received a fresh coat (or two) of paint and the carpeting in Syme was replaced. Berry and Bagwell halls were painted as well. North Hall received new carpeting in all common areas and new furniture in the first-floor lounge and the computer lab.

Now that students are back on campus, we hope they enjoy all the renovations that took place this summer. Meanwhile, we’re busy getting ready for next summer – and our next round of extreme makeovers!