By Tyler Casey and James Carviou

Students have been moving in to Kenilworth Square since Aug. 20, though Director of Housing Scott Peak said that residents will still be moving in through next week.

Located on Kenilworth Boulevard in between Farwell and Prospect avenues, Kenilworth Square is a converted warehouse that features housing for older students. When construction finishes it will also have retail space and will be the new home of the Peck School of the Arts.

“The move-in was pretty easy with the easy access in the garage,” said resident Stephen Whetstine, 24. “Everything went smoothly.”

The opening of Kenilworth Square hasn’t been without challenges. Peak said seven students opted out of their housing contracts after seeing the units. The reasons were mainly that they were unhappy with the apartments upon seeing them for the first time.

The inside of Kenilworth Square was not available for residents to see prior to Aug. 20.

“We’re part of UWM and they’re UWM students,” Peak said. “We didn’t want anyone here that wasn’t going to be happy.”

Though seven students have left, 10 more students have signed contracts since Aug. 20. Kenilworth Square is at about 75 percent capacity right now. Peak said the vacant units will be used for showing to prospective tenants, as well as possibly hosting guest speakers from out of town brought in by the university.

Peak believes that Kenilworth Square will ultimately be a popular destination for students, citing its location, security and amenities as strengths.

“We’re more than an apartment complex. We want (Kenilworth) to feel like a community,” he said.

Since the residents at Kenilworth Square are older students, there aren’t resident assistants like at Sandburg Hall. However, there will be staff members working as community assistants that will offer any services needed by residents. The front desk is also staffed 24 hours a day.

One advantage Kenilworth offers residents is that non-contract holders can live there provided they live with someone who is enrolled at UWM and are over 22 years old. Students enjoy the freedom Kenilworth Square has compared to other student housing.

“It has the security of the dorms but you feel like you are more on your own,” said graduate student Amanda Schmidt.

Whetstine is a fan of his new digs. “I really like it and I like this area.”

For more information on Kenilworth Square, including applications, visit http://www3.uwm.edu/Dept/housing online. Apartments are open to graduate students, students with at least junior standing, and students who are age 22 or older.

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