Hillcrest, one of Iowa’s oldest residence halls, is undergoing a complete $9.4 million renovation that will give its residents a ramp entrance, an elevator, wiring for computer ports for each resident, and safety upgrades, and a light and modern atmosphere.
Residents also will enjoy a new dining hall featuring a "food court" with many different cuisines. The new Hillcrest Dining Hall will offer wide choices of foods and an upbeat atmosphere.
The work started in earnest just after students left following Exam Week in the spring. The last students ate dinner May 14, and on May 15 a large moving van backed up to the door to load tables and chairs for storage at Currier Hall and food and equipment going to the Quadrangle dining room, where Hillcrest students will eat their meals during construction.
"Unlike Mayflower, which must be open during construction, Hillcrest has been closed this summer," says Maggie Van Oel, director of Residence Services. "We did some behind-the-scenes work while the students were still in residence, but once they left demolition began. When they come back in the fall, we hope the main entrance work will be done."
The remainder of the projects will be completed over the next year, and the new dining room will open by Spring 2001.