U. considers new residences

Officials suggest three models for newOfficials suggest three models for newdormitory buildings and bookstore Top University administrators are considering three plans that would dramatically change the layout of on-campus residences and include the construction of several new buildings, according to a document obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian. The report, titled "Draft Residential Study," contains several models for future residences and their place in a residential system of 12 college houses. The draft includes proposals for construction of another dormitory on Hill Field with the capacity of the Quadrangle, a new bookstore complex at 36th and Walnut streets and a dining hall next to Graduate Tower B. It also calls for Graduate Tower B to be converted into undergraduate housing. According to University President Judith Rodin, the models in the draft report obtained by the DP are only preliminary ideas. She said they are part of a discussion process with students about how to renovate and make the high rises and the block around the grad towers more vibrant. "We've been entertaining a number of models," Rodin explained. University officials and student leaders involved in the collegiate planning process stressed last night that these proposals are not the only ones being considered for future residential and college house systems. Ben Nelson, a Wharton junior and chairperson of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education, said his committee has been giving the administration input on a wide array of ideas about the future of a residential college system. "We are not whatsoever in the late stages of development," he said. "We are making sure that students' voices are heard throughout this process." And Rodin said that her administration will continue to get recommendations over the summer and ask for more input from students during the fall semester. The cover page of the draft bears the name of Steve Murray, vice president for business services, Director of Support Services Marie Witt and Larry Moneta, associate vice provost for University Life. A list of other contributors inside the report reads like a directory of the University's highest officals and includes Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for University Life, and Gigi Simeone, director of Residential Living. Before listing three proposed residential models, the authors note that they based their ideas on information about the cost of existing facilities, the results of a survey of dormitory residents and by looking at residential systems at other universities. Under the first model, campus residences would not change and deferred maintenance would continue as planned for the Quadrangle and the high rises. But under the second proposed model, the University would build a dining hall and add 340 rooms to Graduate Tower B as part of a new complex at 36th and Walnut streets that includes a "proposed Bookstore-Inn." The complex would have a capacity of 1,500 residents, roughly the same as the Quad. Graduate students would fill High Rise North and Low Rise North under this plan. The draft's third model is the same as the second, but also includes a new dormitory on Hill Field at 34th and Chestnut streets with a capacity of 1,500 rooms. This residence would be developed with and run by an outside company identified in the draft only as TCCS. Under this proposal, the University would renovate and upgrade the high rises in the hopes of getting graduate students and faculty to move into the buildings. The Superblock area would also be renamed Hamilton Village. The third model also suggests that the University tear down Stouffer Triangle and replace it with "a more appropriate building." Chris Dennis, director of academic programs in residence, said the various proposals being discussed are designed to address the "staggering costs of deferred maintenance of our facilities."