In response to an enrollment increase of freshmen who want to live on campus, a $5.9 million renovation project begins today at Jacksonville University.
Williams Hall, which was built for $1.5 million and opened in 1965, will be completely refurbished and ready for students to move in next fall.
New study rooms and recreation areas, a community kitchen and laundry facility as well as new finishes throughout the four-story, 132-room building are included in the project.
The architect is Baltimore-based Cho Benn Holback and Associates. Stellar Group is the contractor.
The interior design concept will “create innovative living and learning spaces” to enhance the student experience, said Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Kristie Gover.
“We want to create spaces that engage students and give them opportunities to connect outside the classroom,” she said.
It’s the first major renovation since the residence hall was dedicated and named for Charles “Hickory” Williams, an early trustee at the university.
Other recent improvements at JU include a new 274-bed residence for first-year students, a Starbucks coffee shop in the Kinne University Center, a renovated fitness center and learning lounge in the Davis Student Commons and a Chick-fil-A in the Riverview Café.
“Additional amenities are the trend in higher education,” said Gover.
Enrollment of about 4,000 students is projected at JU next fall, including 1,100 who will live on campus.
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