Twenty five percent of the contracts sent out (for next year) had a preference to live in RiverView. - Scott Peak, University Housing director

After a shortage in Sandburg Residence Hall“s university housing, the RiverView Residence Hall will provide a home for up to 475 students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

But after construction delays, the opening originally planned for the fall 2007 semester has been pushed back to spring 2008, said Scott Peak, University Housing director.

The new RiverView dorms will be located just west of the Milwaukee River on North Avenue. As suggested by its name, the RiverView design centerpieces the Milwaukee River.

Those who live in or visit the dorms will be able to use a terrace, connected to the dining hall, which will overlook the river and provide a view of the city“s skyline and downtown.

But the construction delay poses a problem for students who had interest in living in the RiverView Residence Hall.

“Twenty five percent of the contracts sent out (for next year) had a preference to live in RiverView,” Peak said.

Peak said those students will have two options. Students could commute or find an off-campus housing option nearby for the fall semester and move into RiverView in the spring.

Otherwise, Peak said, students could choose to take a room in Sandburg since it has not yet reached its maximum capacity for next year.

Due to the inconvenience, those who hold off until second semester to reside in RiverView will be given a privilege that other students do not have.

“These students will never have a housing contract be rejected,” Peak said.

Currently, students cannot reside in university housing for more than two years, but this policy would not apply to those inconvenienced by the delay.

Peak also said that social gatherings would take place during the fall semester for those who would reside in RiverView next spring.

One of the reasons for the delay is that the new dorms were built on county park property, and the National Park Service temporarily halted construction until additional land was found to replace the newly constructed property, Peak said.

After the conflict was resolved, construction resumed. Last week, the dorm“s third floor walls were put into place. This level will include a long glass corridor that will serve as the dorm“s main entrance.

A Grind Coffee Shop and convenience store will be connected to the corridor so residents in the surrounding area will be able to use these commodities.

Peak said the rooms have been designed in a traditional suite style. Each suite will contain two double rooms with walk in closets. The four residents occupying the suite will share a bathroom.

The cost of staying at RiverView has not yet been decided, however, residents will pay more than they would if they stayed in Sandburg. Peak said this is a result of high construction costs due to inflation.

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