This summer, four major renovation projects will take place in Wright, Allyn, Leebrick, Lake and Olson halls. These projects are part of a grand plan that will be completed over the next 10 years, totaling $108,280,842.48.

As the first step in the renovations, Allyn will receive new carpet and paint in the rooms and hallways, as well as air conditioning. John White, associate director of Residence Services, said the repairs will begin with Allyn mainly because it houses students for the Destination Kent State program.

The closets in Allyn will also be torn down and replaced with new walls and freestanding armoires. The rest of Eastway will get the same renovations within the next four years.

A new wireless technology will then be installed in Allyn, and later on the rest of Eastway, that will turn off lights to help conserve energy. This technology is part of the university’s energy conservation project.

“If students leave the lights on for a certain amount of time the sensor will know to turn the lights off in order to save energy,” said Michael Bruder, director of design and construction for the University Architect’s office.

Two new elevators will be installed in Wright Hall, along with air conditioning.

“Tri-Towers is a four-year project,” White said. “We’re starting with Wright, and then replacing the doors in the breezeways and adding new signs to help navigate the buildings. Next summer Leebrick and Koonce will receive elevators and air conditioning as well.”

Leebrick Hall, however, will be going through some renovations of its own this summer. Bruder said Leebrick will receive accessibility improvements such as wider doors and new fire alarms.

Lake Hall is going to be turned into an EXCEL community, which is a community that caters to students who are exploring majors, White said.

“We’re re-doing the whole first floor, including the lounges, by installing new carpet and new paint,” White said.

New windows will also be installed in Lake and Olson. These windows will have sensors that activate the heat to turn on or off depending on if the window is open or closed. The purpose of this is to help save energy, Bruder said.

White said he thinks the students will benefit from these renovations.

“They [the students] will get something that’s more attractive, easier to maintain and something they’re going to enjoy living in,” White said.

White also thinks if the residence halls look better they will deter vandalism and other destruction by students.

“I really believe a lot of students will take better care of their living environment if it looks like the university is taking care of it as well,” said White.

Contact Dianna Warwick at [email protected].