With the year ending, the first semester of student housing at Kenilworth Square Apartments is almost in the books, and though it hasn’t always been smooth, school officials expect positive things in 2007.

Kenilworth’s Residential Program Manager Rich Givens said he thinks the first semester at Kenilworth has gone well and that he has not see anything he wouldn’t consider “normal” for student housing.

“There haven’t been any issues coming up that are really out of the ordinary, especially considering this is our first attempt at something like this,” Givens said.

The age of the building has been one factor in some inconveniences over the semester. Kenilworth resident Bradley Wooten reported on his blog in September that Kenilworth experienced at least eight false fire alarms in the first month of being open.

Also, thick concrete in certain areas of the converted factory building have resulted in poor cell phone service throughout parts of the building.

Givens said he and other university staff have been working hard to solve any problems they have come across.

Givens said that “dust and dirt” from the construction company working on the other side of the building set the system off, and that the alarm system has been functioning normally.

As for cell phone reception, Givens said that they are looking into providing cell phone boosters that would improve reception through different cell phone carriers.

“Some students are frustrated with having to go to the lobby or outside to talk on their cell, but we’re working on getting this fixed as soon as we can,” Givens said.

After it opened for residents on Aug. 20, Kenilworth filled up to around 75 percent capacity. According to Givens, it is now at around 80 percent.

Though several students left Kenilworth within the first month due to dissatisfaction with the rooms, new applications for housing at Kenilworth have come in. UWM graduate student and Kenilworth resident Mike Stillman said that Kenilworth has too many advantages to ignore.

“It’s convenient, secure and they’re pretty responsive as far as fixing things,” Stillman said. “And it’s a good place to meet people.”

Building a feeling of community at Kenilworth is something Givens said he plans to focus on next semester. He said there are plans for more programs and get-togethers for Kenilworth residents for the next semester.

“We had some success with (programs) this semester, but we need to step it up,” Givens said.

Kenilworth Square Apartments are open to graduate students, students with at least junior standing and students who are 22 or older.

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