“We’ve worked hard to meet the needs of students,” said Kathy Humphrey, vice provost of Student Development, regarding this summer’s housing renovations and relocations.

Alongside the SLU2000 renovations, three residence halls received additional residential space: the lower level of Walsh Hall, second floor of DeMattias Hall and O’Brien House.

The Department of Residence Life in conjunction with the Division of Facilities Management created rooms for over 100 additional students.

With the these renovations added to the schedule in July, Denise Taylor, assistant vice president for Facilities Planning, explained how the work was divided between three different contractors.

“We made a clear statement of what was expected [of the contrac-tors],” Taylor said in regards to the very limited time frame.

Taylor said, “This summer is definite proof that you need to start planning early-that saved us on the big jobs.”

“We have tried to honor and have honored as much of the demand for housing as we could,” said Leonard Jones, director of Residence Life.

To that extent, freshman requesting housing were able to receive it as well as some former commuters who had applied last year.

Trying to accommodate more students, the Residence Life office relocated to Busch Memorial Center, taking the place of Sodexho-Marriott Food Service. Sodexho-Marriott moved to DuBourg Hall.

“I loved my office, but I’m not here 24/7,” Jones said. “It was very wonderful to hear from our staff that, yes, our students and their living situation is important.”

Humphrey concurred, “Sometimes the moves were hard. People like consistency, but everyone understood the greater need.”

In addition to the added space, Residence Life leased off-campus apartments for 41 students.

Jones said these off-campus apartments appeal to nontraditional students with families as well as international students who require housing once they arrive.

“Jim [Swinson] has done a wonderful job talking with students about this option,” Jones commented.

Once move-in is complete and things settle down, the priority will be to clear out the overassigned lounges as quickly as possible, Jones said.

Jones also pointed out that he hopes to work with students to decrease the number of triples as space opens.

SLU2000 renovations also occured throughout the summer including the addition of air-conditioning to Marguerite and renovations of Griesedieck Hall floors 10-16. Reinert also received new furniture and remodeled bathrooms. Its carpet was removed as well. Other residence halls were also renovated.

“The SLU2000 renovations came off really well,” Taylor added.