Spring Arbor University’s new dorm, University Hall, is almost halfway complete, according to information from the dean of student’s office. The project began in August 2009 and should be finished by August 2010, putting the project at the half-way mark for the project.

Assistant Dean of Students Bobby Pratt said, “The decision to build University Hall was based on our need for additional housing on campus. Our University board of trustees along with Dr. Webb are the people that make the final decision to move forward on this type of a project.”

A committee with representatives from student services, the president’s office, the physical plant, the board of trustees, the architectural firm of Hobbs & Black, and the Vice President for Finance, Jerry White, accepted proposals from contractors. Wieland-Davco was chosen as the construction manager, although some sub-contractors work on specialized areas such as plumbing and electrical. The project has a budget of $8.4 million.

The new dormitory, University Hall, or “U-Hall,” will be a men’s dorm. According to Pratt, it will be similar to Gainey, the women’s dorm, which has prompted the nickname “Mainey” amongst students. This dorm will have two wings, with four floors per wing, and house 214 men.

“University Hall will be constructed with community bathrooms and double occupancy rooms,” Pratt said, to describe the floors. “The individual student room size will be identical to those in Gainey Hall.” Pratt said each room will have individually controlled heat. University Hall will have a movie theater, fitness room, conference room, game room, computer room/study lounge and a prayer chapel.

According to SAU rules, students under the age of 22 years must live on campus. There are exceptions for commuters, and special circumstances. For freshmen between the ages of 17 and 19, this means they will spend 3-5 years in university housing. With a growing number of female students, SAU will be converting Lowell Hall into an all-female dorm, including Beta and Gamma Halls which have previously been men’s halls.

For the conversion of the men’s halls, Pratt said, “We’ll be doing some upgrading and improvements to make the transition.”