ALGIERS – The University of Holy Cross will add a residential dormitory to its 101-year-old campus, marking the first time the university will move from a commuter school to a residential campus.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the 135-bed dorm was held on Tuesday, Nov. 14 outside the school with nearly 100 in attendance.
The $14 million 60,000-square-foot dormitory will have four floors with 1, 2 and 4 bedroom units, community kitchens, community living rooms, study rooms, laundry facilities, a workout/gym room, postal area and meditation and prayer room.
The dorm is set to fully open in the Fall 2018 semester.
“We’re going from what was a community college to what will become a residential university,” said Dr. David “Buck” Landry, president of the University of Holy Cross.
Landry said he hopes the dorm will catalyze a richer residential life for students, including intramural-level athletics at nearby Federal City.
“We’re entering into an agreement with athletic facilities at Federal City, where the old YMCA was, where we will be able to utilize those facilities for athletic activities,” Landry said.
After the ceremony, Landry said the dorms will be available for undergraduate students at all levels, although a majority of the rooms will be reserved for out-of-state students.
When complete, the dorm will be surrounded by wrought-iron gates and a brick fence that will lock at 11 p.m. and open at 6 a.m. and include security cameras.
Kyle France, chairman of the University of Holy Cross Board of Trustees, said he’s excited for students to be able to experience life on campus.
“Some of my best friends are ones I met in the dormitory my freshman year,” France said.
Mallory Ottaway, president of the University of Holy Cross Student Government Association, said students are in favor of adding the dormitory.
“Changing the university from a commuter campus to a residential campus will bring a new excitement to the university and we believe it will help student life excel,” Ottaway said.
The University of Holy Cross enrolls 1,300 students each year in more than 62 majors.
“This is an economic impact on the Westbank, particularly on the General Degaulle corridor, with students living on campus, utilizing businesses of the Westbank, particularly in Algiers,” Landry said.
It marks the first construction on campus since the 2002-2004 construction of the A&P Lab, nursing lab and elevator addition to the main building. The residential dorm project was awarded to McDonnel Construction Services and First Bank financed the project. For more information, visit http://uhcno.edu/.
-By Jenny Peterson, Associate News Editor, Biz New Orleans
