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For release: June 20, 2008
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901.678.2843
The University of Memphis broke ground Thursday, June 19, for a new residence complex
to replace West Hall at the corner of Patterson Street and Alumni Drive on the U of
M campus. Two new buildings, with office and classroom space as well as living areas,
will be completed by March 2010. The $26 million project will house up to 496 students
in “neighborhoods” that will each accommodate 18-22 students.
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From left to right, Dr. Patricia Hoy, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music,
Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, vice president for Student Affairs, Abby Hagan, president
of the Student Government Association, Dr. Shirley Raines, president of the University,
Dr. Melinda Jones, director of the UofM’s Honors Program, and Justin Lawhead, associate
dean of students for Leadership and Involvement.
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The buildings are expected to meet LEED Silver Standards in terms of sustainability
and “green” design. “This new housing will ensure that the University of Memphis
has residence halls built in a sustainable manner and offering the latest in technology
to meet the housing demands of students not just from the Mid-South, but from around
the country,” said Danny Armitage, associate dean of students.
Each room will be outfitted with high-speed Internet and cable television connections.
Residential areas will feature double and single rooms with semi-private baths, along
with kitchen and community space. Residents will have access to free laundry facilities
on every floor. Entry to each building will be controlled by “smart cards,” and security
cameras will monitor all entrances.
This project is the second phase of a multi-phase plan to renew housing at the University
of Memphis. Phase one was completed two years ago with the opening of additional
townhouses at Carpenter Complex Apartments just north of Central Avenue. As with
those residences, the University’s Academic Affairs Division has again partnered with
Residence Life and Dining Services to create several “living-learning” communities
in the new buildings.
The faculty of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the Honors College and the
staff of the Emerging Leaders Program will coordinate events and support programs
in the residence halls to help students achieve their academic goals. To assist with
these programs, the buildings will have additional classroom space and music practice
rooms.
Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a comprehensive metropolitan research
university that is recognized nationally and internationally for its academic, research,
and athletic programs. With more than 20,000 students, the U of M offers more than
254 areas of study for those seeking bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. It
also offers the juris doctor (law) and education specialist degrees.
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