As demand for on-campus housing grows, UB officials are laying the groundwork for a new dormitory on North Campus. Although the plans are only in the early stages of development, the currently unpaved Fargo Temporary Lot is one spot being considered for the new facility.
According to Kevin Thompson, director of Facilities Planning and Design, actual construction is still far in the future. Plans to proceed with the new building will only come after officials review as many options as possible.
"We're seeking proposals from design firms," Thompson said. "We're looking for a creative solution to student housing."
Although in close proximity, the building would not be an expansion of the Ellicott Complex, nor would it be a traditional dorm. Instead, the preliminary plan is for apartment or suite-style housing, according to Thompson. Optimally, the facility will be designed to still take advantage of the amenities offered by the Ellicott Complex.
"We hope to be able to connect it to Ellicott," Thompson said, "so that students don't have to walk outside."
Connecting to the existing complex is an ideal possibility, but final plans are still very fluid as the university awaits word from designers.
It is also too early in the planning for any firm numbers - such as building expenses or number of living spaces - on the project, according to Thompson.
"That's really all we know right now," he said. "We're just waiting for the design firms to get back to us with ideas."
The design firms aren't the only ones with ideas for the new housing complex. Melissa Trott, a freshman undecided major, said she doesn't mind the current dorms, but she would like to see a different setup in a new facility.
"I like the suite setup in Governors, but it would be good to have more common space areas and kitchens," Trott said. "I think living with a smaller number of people instead of in a long hall is better."
Many other undergrads also say they prefer dorm suites to the traditional corridor-style housing in Ellicott.
"You get to know people better in suites, because there aren't so many people," said Bethany Wright, a freshman political science and French major.
While some students seem to be in favor of smaller building sections, others are more concerned with cleanliness.
"It would be nice if they would stay sanitary more easily," said Adriane Wotawabergan, a freshman electrical engineering major. "The rooms we're in now kind of smell when you walk in."
As students formulate their own ideas for the future of dorming at UB, University Facilities officials are waiting for site plans from competing design firms. The new dorms are part of over 250 projects currently being handled by UB including renovation, maintenance and other construction jobs.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
