“Our main goal is to always have housing available for freshmen. That is our main market; that is who we are turning away.”
– Scott Peak, director of University Housing

Overcrowding in Sandburg Hall may ease up significantly with the opening of Kenilworth Square in the fall and the potential construction of more student housing west of the Milwaukee River on North Avenue.

Anderson Strickler, LLC, a private development company, is looking into the site, which is about two miles from campus, as another spot for student housing.

Anderson Strickler conducted a survey in the fall to analyze what students are looking for in a residence hall.

Students were asked their opinions on a series of floor plans and estimated rents. The rents include furnishings, utilities, basic cable television and internet connection.

The survey results determined that of most importance to respondents is having private bedrooms. Students also could “not live without” laundry facilities and on-site parking.

Other factors involving students’ housing decisions is the ability to cook meals, the physical condition of the housing and the ability to meet other students.

“The results came back very strong,” said Scott Peak, director of University Housing. “There is a large demand for more housing on campus.”

Every year for the last six to seven years, UWM has turned away at least 1,000 students who wanted to live on campus, Peak said.

Kenilworth, which is expected to house 374 students, was built for juniors, seniors and graduate students, or any student at least 22 years old.

Currently Sandburg Hall houses 2,700 students. Purin Hall, also a part of University Housing, accommodates students as well. There is a small residence hall at Columbia Hospital to which University Housing refers applicants who are turned away from Sandburg and Purin.

According to the survey, students renting off-campus housing are “very satisfied” compared with those living in Sandburg. The least satisfied are those living in Purin Hall.

Even with the availability of rooms in Kenilworth next fall, current and future students are still short 1,400 beds, Peak said.

“Our main goal is to always have housing available for freshmen. That is our main market, that is who we are turning away,” Peak said.

Respondents of the survey also think that it is most important for the university to provide housing to freshmen.

Peak hopes to have the site for the new housing project approved in a couple months, and if all goes well, the new residence hall should be open in fall 2007.

“We’re moving aggressively for more housing, and in a couple months, we will know if this is a reality for the future,” Peak said.

If the housing project is approved, the residence hall will likely feature lounge space, music practice rooms, a convenient dining facility and meal plan, a fitness center and support services.

Peak also anticipates the implementation of classrooms in the building.

“This way, students can take freshmen math and English classes right in the same building they live in,” Peak said, noting that such a set-up has been successful on other campuses.

> Comments