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Long range student housing plan highlights An executive summary completed in September by Mahlum Architects of Seattle assesses WSU Pullman’s 20 residence halls and nine apartment complexes, analyzes housing districts, and proposes long-range visions and proposed projects for the districts.
Highlights for the three residence hall districts – Hillside, Northside and Southside – and the apartment complexes include:
Hillside: The vision is to honor the area’s historic character by modernizing buildings rather than replacing them.
Proposed projects, spanning 2012 to 2023, include modernizing and connecting Duncan Dunn and Community halls and modernizing Wilmer-Davis and Stevens.
Northside: The vision includes better connecting the area to campus by transforming some parking into pedestrian-friendly open spaces and constructing new buildings close to Colorado street; replacing and modernizing halls for more diverse options to attract and retain students, including graduate students; and increasing density but decreasing building size to better fit with the private residential neighborhood to the north.
Proposed projects, spanning 2024 to 2027, include building a new residence hall southeast of Regents complex along Colorado Street, and replacing Streit and Perham with a “gateway” building – perhaps of apartment-style units – since the site is located at a major intersection of streets and of WSU and private residential areas.
Southside: The vision includes recognizing the role of the district as a gateway to campus – a creator of first impressions – and replacing some aging residence halls while honoring the historic character of others via modernization.
Proposed projects, spanning 2013 to 2026, include modernizing and adding to Waller, modernizing and connecting Gannon and Goldsworthy, replacing Kruegel and McAllister and perhaps incorporating a new dining facility, and refurbishing Stimson hall.
North apartments, including Steptoe Village, Terrace Apartments, Kamiak Apartments, Chief Joseph Village and Nez Perce Village: The proposed approach, spanning 2010 to 2018, involves replacing Kamiak and Terrace apartments with one-, two-, and three-bedroom single student apartment (SSA) units. It will also include a series of strategic modernization projects at Chief Joseph and Nez Perce villages, as well as the addition of a community center at Steptoe Village.
South apartments, including Columbia Village, Chinook Village (Upper and Lower) and Yakama Village: The proposed approach, spanning 2014-2024, will incorporate a new community center at Columbia Village, as well as a series of strategic modernization projects at each facility, with the potential of creating shared outdoor community areas.
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PULLMAN – Reconstruction of a building in Chief Joseph Village apartments was approved Friday by the Board of Regents of WSU. The structure was destroyed in an accidental fire last spring.
The regents also heard a report about prospective students and possible approaches to strengthen future enrollments.
As a result of the apartment fire, six units in the 12-unit Chief Joseph Village structure required demolition and replacement; the other six required repairs because of smoke damage.
The $2 million cost of reconstruction largely will be paid through insurance proceeds, although some housing and dining funds will be used to add amenities in the units. The university hopes to use the units as prototypes for future renovations planned for university-owned apartments.
The regents also reiterated their approvals of renovations and additions to Duncan Dunn-Community Hall and Waller Hall and authorized the issuance of $38.75 million in revenue bonds to fund the projects. The bonds will be repaid through housing and dining revenues.
The projects are part of the university’s long-term plan to improve student housing on the Pullman campus (see accompanying article).
The regents also heard a report from representatives of Art & Science Group about WSU’s position with prospective students and possible approaches for the university to adopt to strengthen future enrollments.
John Fraire, vice president of the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment, said the university has a goal of increasing undergraduate enrollment on the Pullman campus by 3-4 percent per year through fall 2016.
The consultants discussed possible pricing strategies; the differing perceptions of WSU among students who inquired, who applied, who were admitted and who actually enrolled; and steps the university could take to increase its application pool and strengthen its position among prospective students.
The study found that students who come to WSU are attracted by the university’s pleasing campus, strong programs and friendly community. On the flip side, students who decided not to apply or attend often cite the lack of strong programs in their areas of interest, the “party school” image and the shortage of things to do on and around campus.
Fraire and the Art & Science representatives will share the study’s findings and possible future strategies with faculty members and other groups around campus in the months ahead.