I thought I would create a thread about upcoming plans for residence halls on campus, as well as other housing options such as apartments. Please feel free to contribute photos and any news you may have about these projects!
Uptown East, which currently has three buildings mostly for Valpo students, has started construction on their fourth and final building. The picture below from their website shows the fourth building's progress. It is on the site of the former College View apartments (aka the meth apartments, or the ugly red buildings across from LeBien Hall).
(http://www.theuptowneast.com/uploads/Building%204%20-%203-18-11.jpg)
Another project that is supposed to be under construction already is University Promenade. This project will consist of two three-story buildings on both sides of University Drive. The first floor will have retail spaces with two-story condos above. They are being marketed toward students I believe. Here is a picture from a NWI Times article. The photo shows the buildings on both sides of University Drive, with Lincolnway on the bottom of the picture and the campus in the background. The building on the left will be built first.
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/0/a6/ca4/0a6ca46f-ffa5-5835-a0d4-83412c600cb3-revisions/4d656dd488306.image.jpg)
i don't recall ever hearing about the university promenade, but i certainly like the concept. and thank god the crappy red apartments are gone - those were HIDEOUS!!
This is probably a dumb question, but what do VU students think of the residence halls? Over the years I've seen residence halls at maybe 6-8 other schools (all similar in size to VU) and the residence halls at these other places did not seem appreciably better than what VU offers. In fact, I can think of at least two places where the dorms were appreciably worse. Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on April 03, 2011, 07:54:33 PM
This is probably a dumb question, but what do VU students think of the residence halls? Over the years I've seen residence halls at maybe 6-8 other schools (all similar in size to VU) and the residence halls at these other places did not seem appreciably better than what VU offers. In fact, I can think of at least two places where the dorms were appreciably worse. Paul
I was a tourguide for the university for 2.5 years (ending less than a year ago), so I regularly saw prospective students (and parents) and their reactions to the residence halls in addition to my own experiences. I think that right now, compared to many state schools in the Great Lakes region, we are about average for our freshmen residence halls. But I think that are starting to lose ground to some private schools and other state schools that are building new facilities. In my opinion (and from what I've heard), the residence halls aren't a dealbreaker for most prospective students, but we certainly are not going to attract students based on the residence halls.
Quote from: 78crusader on April 03, 2011, 07:54:33 PM
This is probably a dumb question, but what do VU students think of the residence halls? Over the years I've seen residence halls at maybe 6-8 other schools (all similar in size to VU) and the residence halls at these other places did not seem appreciably better than what VU offers. In fact, I can think of at least two places where the dorms were appreciably worse. Paul
I've lived in Brandt and Wehrenberg, both of which are pretty old and cramped. I can't compare to other buildings on campus or elsewhere, but it's not a great experience. Brandt generally has a lot of bad seeds inside that are annoying to live with, and Berg is built like a fortress, cutting off cell and internet reception. Moving next to Uptown, which should be a more enjoyable experience.
Quote from: KL31NY on April 03, 2011, 09:13:08 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on April 03, 2011, 07:54:33 PM
This is probably a dumb question, but what do VU students think of the residence halls? Over the years I've seen residence halls at maybe 6-8 other schools (all similar in size to VU) and the residence halls at these other places did not seem appreciably better than what VU offers. In fact, I can think of at least two places where the dorms were appreciably worse. Paul
I've lived in Brandt and Wehrenberg, both of which are pretty old and cramped. I can't compare to other buildings on campus or elsewhere, but it's not a great experience. Brandt generally has a lot of bad seeds inside that are annoying to live with, and Berg is built like a fortress, cutting off cell and internet reception. Moving next to Uptown, which should be a more enjoyable experience.
i too lived in both of these buildings. i rather liked berg, and felt that it was much better updated than are the other buildings, especially with furniture. and the cell service issue seemed to depend more on the service provider. (verizon was better than at&t in the building, for example.) even the slightly more spacious first floor rooms in lank/alumni/brandt aren't particularly stellar. uptown is most definitely an improvement. but new freshmen residence halls are certainly needed (hopefully with air conditioning this time).
Driving by some of the new apartments on the lincolnway/laporte corridor, it seemed like most of the commercial spaces on the first floor were still empty.
I like the notion of pulling that corridor more firmly into the campus environment with higher quality residences, and hopefully some businesses. We'll see how it goes.
The university seems to like the idea of cooperating with developers to build housing. I think the notion is that since it's a commercial enterprise, they can find companies to help foot the construction bill. Beats having to raise it all yourself. It seemed to me that the dorms were in a whole different economic world than the rest of Valpo (very expensive compared to the surrounding community, not much to show for it in terms of amount or quality of space) - perhaps the injection of a capitalist spirit will help here too. If prices don't go down, perhaps quality will at least go up.
Here's an update from the Uptown East Facebook page. Only one more floor left to go on the final building in this project. This building is different from the others because it has one-bedroom units and balconies.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/okinawatyphoon/UEfinalbuilding.jpg)
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
Quote from: a3uge on April 17, 2011, 01:24:31 PM
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
When they start using hypnotism to construct them in an hour, worry ;)
Quote from: a3uge on April 17, 2011, 01:24:31 PM
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
It appears they are using pretty cheap materials to build these apartments, so it's no surprise it's rising so quickly.
This building has now topped out. Looks like it should be ready by the start of the fall semester.
(http://www.theuptowneast.com/uploads/Bldg%204%204-20-11.JPG)
*image from Uptown East Apartments website
Quote from: StlVUFan on April 17, 2011, 07:06:55 PM
Quote from: a3uge on April 17, 2011, 01:24:31 PM
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
When they start using hypnotism to construct them in an hour, worry ;)
Is that a Monty Python reference?
Quote from: VU75 on April 26, 2011, 07:57:22 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on April 17, 2011, 07:06:55 PM
Quote from: a3uge on April 17, 2011, 01:24:31 PM
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
When they start using hypnotism to construct them in an hour, worry ;)
Is that a Monty Python reference?
Indeed!
Quote from: StlVUFan on April 26, 2011, 11:50:41 PM
Quote from: VU75 on April 26, 2011, 07:57:22 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on April 17, 2011, 07:06:55 PM
Quote from: a3uge on April 17, 2011, 01:24:31 PM
The speed at which these buildings are put up is astonishing. I swear they literally put up the second floor in one day.
When they start using hypnotism to construct them in an hour, worry ;)
Is that a Monty Python reference?
Indeed!
As much Monty Python says, "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life"
The university promenade project has not broken ground yet, but the final uptown east building is coming along nicely and has really transformed the area.
Any available pictures, okinawa?
Quote from: valporun on May 19, 2011, 08:56:03 AM
Any available pictures, okinawa?
Not of the apartments, but I do have some pictures of campus. I am in the middle of moving so I haven't been to a proper computer in a while. I'll try and post soon!
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on May 19, 2011, 12:05:08 PM
Quote from: valporun on May 19, 2011, 08:56:03 AM
Any available pictures, okinawa?
Not of the apartments, but I do have some pictures of campus. I am in the middle of moving so I haven't been to a proper computer in a while. I'll try and post soon!
Take your time on the pictures. There is plenty of time.
I have had a child live in lank, brandt and gm. Yes the dorms are old, and overall, kinda gross. But my biggest problem with the dorms is the upkeep.
In general, it smells moldy in the halls. this past year when we returned after spring break it was clear that the carpets at gm had been cleaned or something had been done in the hallways and it smelled much better. That was the first time I noticed something had been done about the smell.
The laundry room at lank the entire year my kid lived there was disgusting. There was always lint and trash and filth scattered throughout every time I visited the laundry room. I understand that this is because the kids are pigs, but the room needs to get cleaned more than once or twice a year.
snow removal. my biggest beef. every time I have visited to pick up my kid during snowy seasons there has been no snow removal around the dorms. If you are familar with Lank there are stairs leading to the entrance. without fail these were always snow covered and icy every time I visited including the day the dorms were closing for winter break and many many parents were there picking up their kid. I slipped on the stairs twice that day carrying stuff out. It just galled me that no one could be bothered to clear the snow or throw some salt there when parents would be coming.
Quote from: letsgovu on May 30, 2011, 09:05:04 AMsnow removal. my biggest beef. every time I have visited to pick up my kid during snowy seasons there has been no snow removal around the dorms. If you are familar with Lank there are stairs leading to the entrance. without fail these were always snow covered and icy every time I visited including the day the dorms were closing for winter break and many many parents were there picking up their kid. I slipped on the stairs twice that day carrying stuff out. It just galled me that no one could be bothered to clear the snow or throw some salt there when parents would be coming.
amen to that. snow removal on campus is pretty much non-existent. i thought that we might see an improvement after several students were injured in falls on the ice a couple years ago, but no such luck. it's really frustrating that it's so dangerous to simply walk around campus.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on May 30, 2011, 08:43:46 PM
Quote from: letsgovu on May 30, 2011, 09:05:04 AMsnow removal. my biggest beef. every time I have visited to pick up my kid during snowy seasons there has been no snow removal around the dorms. If you are familar with Lank there are stairs leading to the entrance. without fail these were always snow covered and icy every time I visited including the day the dorms were closing for winter break and many many parents were there picking up their kid. I slipped on the stairs twice that day carrying stuff out. It just galled me that no one could be bothered to clear the snow or throw some salt there when parents would be coming.
amen to that. snow removal on campus is pretty much non-existent. i thought that we might see an improvement after several students were injured in falls on the ice a couple years ago, but no such luck. it's really frustrating that it's so dangerous to simply walk around campus.
Is there anything we can do to get this changed? There are some pretty influential people on this board who can pull some strings and get things done. I'd be glad to do my part!
Quote from: dcvalpo on May 30, 2011, 11:14:08 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on May 30, 2011, 08:43:46 PM
Quote from: letsgovu on May 30, 2011, 09:05:04 AMsnow removal. my biggest beef. every time I have visited to pick up my kid during snowy seasons there has been no snow removal around the dorms. If you are familar with Lank there are stairs leading to the entrance. without fail these were always snow covered and icy every time I visited including the day the dorms were closing for winter break and many many parents were there picking up their kid. I slipped on the stairs twice that day carrying stuff out. It just galled me that no one could be bothered to clear the snow or throw some salt there when parents would be coming.
amen to that. snow removal on campus is pretty much non-existent. i thought that we might see an improvement after several students were injured in falls on the ice a couple years ago, but no such luck. it's really frustrating that it's so dangerous to simply walk around campus.
Is there anything we can do to get this changed? There are some pretty influential people on this board who can pull some strings and get things done. I'd be glad to do my part!
haha, people with that much influence don't waste their time on message boards! With that said, it sounds like they could use a bit more salt around the dorm entrances.
Quote from: sectionee on June 01, 2011, 12:32:12 PM
Quote from: dcvalpo on May 30, 2011, 11:14:08 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on May 30, 2011, 08:43:46 PM
Quote from: letsgovu on May 30, 2011, 09:05:04 AMsnow removal. my biggest beef. every time I have visited to pick up my kid during snowy seasons there has been no snow removal around the dorms. If you are familar with Lank there are stairs leading to the entrance. without fail these were always snow covered and icy every time I visited including the day the dorms were closing for winter break and many many parents were there picking up their kid. I slipped on the stairs twice that day carrying stuff out. It just galled me that no one could be bothered to clear the snow or throw some salt there when parents would be coming.
amen to that. snow removal on campus is pretty much non-existent. i thought that we might see an improvement after several students were injured in falls on the ice a couple years ago, but no such luck. it's really frustrating that it's so dangerous to simply walk around campus.
Is there anything we can do to get this changed? There are some pretty influential people on this board who can pull some strings and get things done. I'd be glad to do my part!
haha, people with that much influence don't waste their time on message boards! With that said, it sounds like they could use a bit more salt around the dorm entrances.
Hey I resemble that remark! But seriously, guys like rlh and possibly vu72 have some pretty serious cache and could probably get this rock salt situation resolved in no time.
what is this salt you speak of? ;)
Quote from: vuweathernerd on June 01, 2011, 09:04:58 PM
what is this salt you speak of? ;)
Haha, that rare around the dorms, ay?!?
Quote from: dcvalpo on June 01, 2011, 09:51:51 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on June 01, 2011, 09:04:58 PM
what is this salt you speak of? ;)
Haha, that rare around the dorms, ay?!?
around campus as a whole it seems like. in recent years, the salt started out somewhat normally, but by january it's like there was none to be found...
It is almost like that stuff cost money. They probably only budget for so much and if it is an extra wet/cold winter it gets used up quicker.
Ok people, we need to do something about this.
I will be the first to donate a bag of rock salt. I will leave it in front of Lankenau sometime in December.
Who else will join me in donating??
Quote from: dcvalpo on June 02, 2011, 08:53:05 PM
Ok people, we need to do something about this.
I will be the first to donate a bag of rock salt. I will leave it in front of Lankenau sometime in December.
Who else will join me in donating??
i'll mail a check for some salt. i've slipped and almost hurt myself way too many times over my time on campus.
Quote from: sectionee on June 02, 2011, 07:51:26 PM
It is almost like that stuff cost money. They probably only budget for so much and if it is an extra wet/cold winter it gets used up quicker.
understandable but this was mid December, not February.
There were also a couple basketball games last year that I felt I was risking my life walking down the sidewalk from the parking lot to the ARC. If there was any salting going on, I saw no evidence of it.
Quote from: letsgovu on June 10, 2011, 05:24:24 PM
Quote from: sectionee on June 02, 2011, 07:51:26 PM
It is almost like that stuff cost money. They probably only budget for so much and if it is an extra wet/cold winter it gets used up quicker.
understandable but this was mid December, not February.
There were also a couple basketball games last year that I felt I was risking my life walking down the sidewalk from the parking lot to the ARC. If there was any salting going on, I saw no evidence of it.
One of these days, a "risk" is going to end up as a "tragedy." VU has got to do a better job with this rock salt problem. I'll up my donation to two bags.
Could this lack of salt be the reason for such low student attendance at games? Maybe students don't feel like risking life and limb to be there. Just putting the pieces together here, that's all.
You know how sometimes there is a canned food drive at various events?
I just had the vision of loyal Crusader fans showing up with a bag of salt to the early season games...I can picture a mis-shapen pile of two dozen bags next to the corner of the door of the ARC, all of various brands, colors and formulas. I think I have some "Wizard Ice Melt" in my garage from this past year...
Quote from: valpo95 on June 15, 2011, 08:14:11 AM
You know how sometimes there is a canned food drive at various events?
I just had the vision of loyal Crusader fans showing up with a bag of salt to the early season games...I can picture a mis-shapen pile of two dozen bags next to the corner of the door of the ARC, all of various brands, colors and formulas. I think I have some "Wizard Ice Melt" in my garage from this past year...
Haha, I love this idea...I wonder if the athletic dept would give people $1 off admission for bringing in salt?
Despite hating that we're still talking about this whole salt thing, I must add that I didn't think the university did a terrible job with the sidewalks. Sure there were problems here and there, but you have to be realistic. We are dealing with unpredictable circumstances and limited resources. I have slipped on occasion, but mostly it was either during a storm or right after one. Man, there has got to be something better to discuss!
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on June 15, 2011, 07:02:53 PM
Despite hating that we're still talking about this whole salt thing, I must add that I didn't think the university did a terrible job with the sidewalks. Sure there were problems here and there, but you have to be realistic. We are dealing with unpredictable circumstances and limited resources. I have slipped on occasion, but mostly it was either during a storm or right after one. Man, there has got to be something better to discuss!
Bravo sir, bravo! :thumbsup:
Quote from: agibson on August 18, 2011, 02:47:28 PM
Quote from: valpopal on August 18, 2011, 08:53:24 AM
Don't feel too sad. Construction on the new north entrance to the university has begun.
Huh - where is that? Those look sort of like the Uptown apartments?
There was still some work ongoing, on the Uptown apartments or a nearby development, earlier this week. I wondered if it was meant to be finished before students arrived.
The new north entrance to the university is just east of the Credit Union building and will lead into the drive beside Scheele Hall. Here is a description: "The University Promenade is a commercial/residential project, built on 2.8 acres along University Drive between Lincolnway and LaPorte Avenue, leading into Valparaiso University. Plans call for two three-story buildings. The first floor will be commercial and retail, and the upper floors will be two-story urban loft style townhomes."
Quote from: agibson on August 18, 2011, 02:47:28 PM
There was still some work ongoing, on the Uptown apartments or a nearby development, earlier this week. I wondered if it was meant to be finished before students arrived.
Here is an article about the completion of the new Uptown apartments; however, I passed by late Friday and workers were still busy with finishing touches:
http://www.valpolife.com/index.php/business/real-estate/13266-uptown-east-apartment-tenants-move-in-as-construction-completes?utm_source=rotator&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=rotatorClicks (http://www.valpolife.com/index.php/business/real-estate/13266-uptown-east-apartment-tenants-move-in-as-construction-completes?utm_source=rotator&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=rotatorClicks)
Quote from: valpopal on August 20, 2011, 01:59:02 AM
Quote from: agibson on August 18, 2011, 02:47:28 PM
There was still some work ongoing, on the Uptown apartments or a nearby development, earlier this week. I wondered if it was meant to be finished before students arrived.
Here is an article about the completion of the new Uptown apartments; however, I passed by late Friday and workers were still busy with finishing touches:
http://www.valpolife.com/index.php/business/real-estate/13266-uptown-east-apartment-tenants-move-in-as-construction-completes?utm_source=rotator&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=rotatorClicks (http://www.valpolife.com/index.php/business/real-estate/13266-uptown-east-apartment-tenants-move-in-as-construction-completes?utm_source=rotator&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=rotatorClicks)
free hungry howies? damn - why couldn't i be there? :( but in all seriousness, it's good to hear that they've finally finished the building
Quote from: valpopal on August 18, 2011, 03:10:05 PM
The new north entrance to the university is just east of the Credit Union building and will lead into the drive beside Scheele Hall. Here is a description: "The University Promenade is a commercial/residential project, built on 2.8 acres along University Drive between Lincolnway and LaPorte Avenue, leading into Valparaiso University. Plans call for two three-story buildings. The first floor will be commercial and retail, and the upper floors will be two-story urban loft style townhomes."
Right, thanks for the reminder. I do vaguely remember the other thread.
The space along University is a bit of a wasteland at the moment, so it'll be nice to have some new buildings there. Even if it threatens to disrupt my commute!
This has been briefly mentioned in the last month, but I wanted to know -- has the University Promenade/North Entrance project begun? If not, does anyone know when it will begin?
Thanks, Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on August 28, 2011, 04:55:24 PM
This has been briefly mentioned in the last month, but I wanted to know -- has the University Promenade/North Entrance project begun? If not, does anyone know when it will begin?
Thanks, Paul
This was posted by valpopal on the new arts and science building thread. He said the project has begun and posted this picture:
http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20.0;attach=50 (http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20.0;attach=50)
Thanks, VU72, but the attached photo was simply the artist's rendering of what the completed project would look like. This first appeared in the local newspaper a year ago, which I guess is what prompted me to ask if this project has actually begun, or whether it has been tabled until the beginning of next year's construction season.
Paul
The construction process of the University Promenade has begun. It is in its early stages. The ground has been cleared and leveled, the construction markers are in the ground, and some of the heavy machinery is on site.
Okay. Thanks, Valpopal. This project should add quite a bit to the area surrounding campus. Paul
I am very excited to see progress on the University Promenade when I visit in a couple months. This project should really bring the area to a new level.
Probably old news to most of you, but there are some photos up on Flickr showing the north side of Wehrenberg -- if I'm not mistaken (and I might be, I haven't been on campus in a long time), it looks like the north side has a new look. Very nice!
Hopefully the new dorm will start next spring! And...a new track! (ok, I can keep hoping, can't I?)
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on August 30, 2011, 08:14:50 PM
Probably old news to most of you, but there are some photos up on Flickr showing the north side of Wehrenberg -- if I'm not mistaken (and I might be, I haven't been on campus in a long time), it looks like the north side has a new look. Very nice!
It looks no different to me, so I'm wondering why they posted photos of just Wehrenberg. 'nerd, do you see any differences or changes?
looks the same to me. but it is definitely the nw and sw sides, where what used to be the berg dining hall was. not the main entrance to the building, but rather the most practical one for the students.
The dining hall building is still there, right? It's just not for dining anymore. I was told they're using it to store surplus furniture.
Quote from: agibson on September 03, 2011, 02:16:59 PM
The dining hall building is still there, right? It's just not for dining anymore. I was told they're using it to store surplus furniture.
that's correct, as of last december when i left.
I drove by the University Promenade site today, and there's not much to report. The land has been cleared and is fenced off. Looks like mostly utility and site work right now. Maybe they are going to wait until the spring to start heavy construction?
Here is an update on the Promenade construction.
"It's a little behind schedule, but the University Promenade development is finally under way, with the first building expected to be ready by August...."
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_f5dfd4aa-fe8a-5867-9116-a0c04b285d46.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_f5dfd4aa-fe8a-5867-9116-a0c04b285d46.html)
Some interesting bits like
Quote
The project calls for a three-story building on each side of University Drive with about 12,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor of each and 14 two-story condos of up to 1,600 square feet above. A small park is planned for the southwest corner of Lincolnway and University Drive, along with parking for the buildings.
Krygier said he has a tenant interested in taking all of the retail space in the first building but would not say what type of business was planned until the agreement is final. The start date for construction of the second building isn't known yet and could depend on the economy and the success in filling the first building, but he hopes to start by the time the first building is done or shortly after.
It's not clear from the article that the University has anything to do with the project.
The university doesn't have a lot to do with the project, but seeing as how it will connect the north entrance to Lincolnway and the tenants will probably be student-oriented, it is relevant discussion here.
No question it's relevant. It's the university's back yard.
From the language about north entrances, etc, etc. I somehow assumed it was at least as much of a University project as Uptown East. (e.g. maybe the university was the landowner, but it was being privately developed; or maybe some would be used as student residences, etc.)
Quote from: agibson on October 18, 2011, 09:42:26 AM
No question it's relevant. It's the university's back yard.
From the language about north entrances, etc, etc. I somehow assumed it was at least as much of a University project as Uptown East. (e.g. maybe the university was the landowner, but it was being privately developed; or maybe some would be used as student residences, etc.)
I'm pretty sure that project is on a "Field-Of-Dreams" approach. "If you build it they will come." No express guarantees but just well defined economic opportunity. VU will not bad-mouth them if they do what they say they plan to do.
Has anyone driven by the University Promenade site (intersection of Lincolnway and University) recently? Any progress?
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on February 20, 2012, 11:08:25 PM
Has anyone driven by the University Promenade site (intersection of Lincolnway and University) recently? Any progress?
Yes, after a lull of a couple months, there is now a lot more activity. They have resumed excavation and installation of foundations on the east side of the promenade site.
The website for University Promendade is scheduled to go live on March 1. Hopefully more details are released by then, but it seems pretty ambitious to be open by August!
The website is now up: www.universitypromenade.com (http://www.universitypromenade.com)
Also, a photo from their Facebook page. Looks great!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=194815380624311&set=a.194815373957645.34242.193639804075202&type=1&ref=nf (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=194815380624311&set=a.194815373957645.34242.193639804075202&type=1&ref=nf)
I stopped by campus last week and saw that University Promenade's first building is well on its way to completion with the first two floors up already. the second building will be constructed based on the success of the first building. this project is really helping to transform the area.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on July 08, 2012, 02:33:06 AMI stopped by campus last week and saw that University Promenade's first building is well on its way to completion with the first two floors up already. the second building will be constructed based on the success of the first building. this project is really helping to transform the area.
Agreed. It is one helluva project.
Seems just like yesterday they were beginning the project. I remember seeing a guy (who was a dead ringer for Steve Wilkos) there laying pipe.
The best part is they are going to have not one, but two foosball tables in the common area.
There is a patch nearby overlooking university promenade that is so beautiful that a bunch of us have been pitching tents and enjoying the sexy view.
Does anyone know when it opens?
Huegli Hall came down today. Here is a photo I took of the old and the new, the A&S building in the background. Click on photo to enlarge it:
Incredible photo valpopal! Some nice HDR effects going there. I had no idea that Huegli was steel-framed.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on July 18, 2012, 10:42:51 PM
Incredible photo valpopal! Some nice HDR effects going there. I had no idea that Huegli was steel-framed.
Will add my "hear hear" to the discussion. Great photo as it brings back memories of the "old" and adds many thoughts of all things "new"!!
Quote from: vu72 on July 18, 2012, 10:54:32 PM
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on July 18, 2012, 10:42:51 PM
Incredible photo valpopal! Some nice HDR effects going there. I had no idea that Huegli was steel-framed.
Will add my "hear hear" to the discussion. Great photo as it brings back memories of the "old" and adds many thoughts of all things "new"!!
I can't believe someone had an entire keg in their room, back in my day campus was dry and freshmen had to go down to Sig Tau to find the kegs.
Quote from: moodboom on July 19, 2012, 06:00:28 AMQuote from: vu72 on July 18, 2012, 10:54:32 PMQuote from: okinawatyphoon on July 18, 2012, 10:42:51 PMIncredible photo valpopal! Some nice HDR effects going there. I had no idea that Huegli was steel-framed.
Will add my "hear hear" to the discussion. Great photo as it brings back memories of the "old" and adds many thoughts of all things "new"!!
I can't believe someone had an entire keg in their room, back in my day campus was dry and freshmen had to go down to Sig Tau to find the kegs.
Is that a Phi Psi laying in the debris in the room above the one with the keg? Who wears yellow this time of year? :lol:
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on July 08, 2012, 02:33:06 AM
I stopped by campus last week and saw that University Promenade's first building is well on its way to completion with the first two floors up already. the second building will be constructed based on the success of the first building. this project is really helping to transform the area.
Yeah, once they started getting the building up it's gone relatively quickly. After sitting as a big field of dirt for a long time.
I'd be happy to have the road open! Nice to see them working a bit on the new road: putting up islands in the middle for landscaping, etc.
Quote from: valpopal on July 18, 2012, 06:07:58 PMHuegli Hall came down today. Here is a photo I took of the old and the new, the A&S building in the background. Click on photo to enlarge it:
Huegli Hall/Deaconess Hall is all gone but the rubble. And there certainly is a lot of rubble to be cleaned up before Marshall & Co. is done.
Is the new construction one of the shovel ready jobs Obama pledged? If so, perhaps we can make him an honorary alumni! We made Tommy Lasorda one and look what he gave us.
Coincidentally, Lasorda posts here! Nice enough guy once you get to know him.
Quote from: SadersofthelostArc on July 19, 2012, 07:18:50 PM
Coincidentally, Lasorda posts here!
wrong. he's about 30 years too young to be lasorda.
Today's forecast says...
you're wrong!
:rotfl:
(Just bustin' your chops man...but, seriously, it's Lasorda)
Hmm, Ralph....not sure why valpotx didn't tell us he was heading out to Sin City....but loved the story man! Keep up the great posting...we need more of you and less of....let's just say "some of the regulars"...'round here!
Hey, you left out the menorah in Bryce's left hand in your avatar! ::)
Are you guys aware that your references are to "seder," not "sader?" YOU'RE :welcome:
Quote from: SadersofthelostArc on July 20, 2012, 09:32:51 AM
Are you guys aware that your references are to "seder," not "sader?" YOU'RE :welcome:
As Dan Quayle said "potato, potatoe, what difference does it really make?"
"Bush 41, Bush 43, now there was a big difference!"
I think the new avatar's fun, but, man, I didn't miss the in-crowd out-crowd stuff.
Back on residence halls. I was by Uptown East today and saw they had a "New Management" banner out.
What's their status as student housing? Is it an official option for those who are required to live in dorms? Or it's just random, non-university-affiliated private housing that's near campus?
Not university managed, presumably?
Thanks for the compliment on the avie, agibson...and I agree. The people trying to push me out right from the start need to drop the schtick and let bygones be bygones.
Uptown East is a really nice addition....I must say though, every time VU builds a building I get the sense that it will look out-dated in short order. Instead of building classic structures like Wheaton or IWU, we build things that are oddly shaped or overly-modern that won't be in style for long. (The student union is an exception, I think.)
The university has a contract with Uptown East for student housing. VU does not own the building. I think only Sophomores and above can live there. Maybe only Juniors and above.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on July 20, 2012, 08:35:08 PM
The university has a contract with Uptown East for student housing. VU does not own the building. I think only Sophomores and above can live there. Maybe only Juniors and above.
for uptown? it was junior standing to live there as of 2010-2011 school year.
Interesting. So, a sort of official university housing. Are there RA's, etc?
A little to my surprise, the university price for Uptown doesn't seem to be any higher than the price they charge random people. The university rate is $8300/school year (compared to $5564 in Brandt, $6484 in Memorial,etc.).
Not that $8300/year is cheap, the Uptown just seems to be expensive! From $1550/month for a 986 square foot two bedroom. It looks pretty nice, and biggish, but not cheap. I wonder if it's the most expensive apartment complex in Valpo?
Quote from: agibson on July 21, 2012, 04:22:44 PM
Interesting. So, a sort of official university housing. Are there RA's, etc?
A little to my surprise, the university price for Uptown doesn't seem to be any higher than the price they charge random people. The university rate is $8300/school year (compared to $5564 in Brandt, $6484 in Memorial,etc.).
Not that $8300/year is cheap, the Uptown just seems to be expensive! From $1550/month for a 986 square foot two bedroom. It looks pretty nice, and biggish, but not cheap. I wonder if it's the most expensive apartment complex in Valpo?
yes, there are ra's assigned to the building along with an rlc. it's just like the setup was at compass pointe (except more reslife staff) now that uptown has replaced compass as the university apartments.
Ah, I hadn't known about Compass Pointe! For what years was that arrangement in effect?
I'm rather sure it wasn't there from '96-'00. There were some apartments just west of the ARC, and some others (married student housing?) somewhere around Lynwood, but I thought/assumed those were university owned and operated.
Quote from: agibson on July 21, 2012, 07:05:39 PM
Ah, I hadn't known about Compass Pointe! For what years was that arrangement in effect?
I'm rather sure it wasn't there from '96-'00. There were some apartments just west of the ARC, and some others (married student housing?) somewhere around Lynwood, but I thought/assumed those were university owned and operated.
i don't know when the university's agreement started with compass pointe, but uptown opened for the 09-10 school year, if memory serves.
This conversation illustrates how slow the sports news is this time of year. :snore:
Quote from: SadersofthelostArc on July 21, 2012, 10:13:21 PM
This conversation illustrates how slow the sports news is this time of year. :snore:
cry me a river. just because you're bored here doesn't mean others aren't curious about the university's other projects.
"Cry me a river?" Should I go "suck an egg" when I'm done?
I'll let you guys get back to this riveting conversation. And if anyone has any info on where VU gets the blinds in Brandt, let me know? I'm DYING to know!!!!
I don't know that your post should be deleted, or any other punitive action taken. But, "Sader", what moderate amount of sympathy I had for you is fading...
Sorry agibson....my apologies. Please resume sympathy.
The first phase of University Promenade is nearing completion, which also means University Drive (the north entrance to the university) is nearing completion as well. Here are some photos posted by the University Promenade company on their Facebook page. In the first one, you can clearly see Scheele Hall in the background and the repaved University Drive leading into campus. The second photo shows the first building and the park that faces Lincolnway with the decorative feature. I think it will really brighten up this part of town!
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/282869_310147099091138_392357200_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/481566_310148009091047_1551167036_n.jpg)
on the flip side, I just heard today that what I remember as the 1970s TKE House, aka 807 Mound street... will be un-moth-balled and gussied-up (a technical term from HGTV) for Fall 2013 due to increased enrollment...
I really do hope that we can get to 6,000 students. That increased enrollment can only help increase our athletic budget as well for all sports
Just thought I'd add an update. The first residents, 60 international student-scholars from Ecuador, have moved into the Promenade apartments this week.
Quote from: valpopal on May 24, 2013, 08:51:54 PMJust thought I'd add an update. The first residents, 60 international student-scholars from Ecuador, have moved into the Promenade apartments this week.
Sort of like a small Guayaquil with those near the top feeling closer to the Andes.
Gee I wish you guys would Quit(o) posting things like that... anyway, the Health Center was moved into the first floor of Lankenau (Temporarily) this week, so that building can be razed for the new sophomore dorm going in its place. Health Center will find a new permanent home in Promenade East on the first floor next to Dr. Baynak's office that moved in a month ago.
Quote from: historyman on May 25, 2013, 05:44:41 AM
Quote from: valpopal on May 24, 2013, 08:51:54 PMJust thought I'd add an update. The first residents, 60 international student-scholars from Ecuador, have moved into the Promenade apartments this week.
Sort of like a small Guayaquil with those near the top feeling closer to the Andes.
It's good to see that the University is pursuing true global diversity, as opposed to what was looking to be a narrow focus in the Middle East. In fact, it's great to see.
Quote from: historyman on May 25, 2013, 05:44:41 AMSort of like a small Guayaquil with those near the top feeling closer to the Andes.
Quote from: talksalot on May 25, 2013, 08:20:33 AMGee I wish you guys would Quit(o) posting things like that
i can't bolivia youse guys.
Quote from: wh on May 25, 2013, 10:21:41 AM
Quote from: historyman on May 25, 2013, 05:44:41 AM
Quote from: valpopal on May 24, 2013, 08:51:54 PMJust thought I'd add an update. The first residents, 60 international student-scholars from Ecuador, have moved into the Promenade apartments this week.
Sort of like a small Guayaquil with those near the top feeling closer to the Andes.
It's good to see that the University is pursuing true global diversity, as opposed to what was looking to be a narrow focus in the Middle East. In fact, it's great to see.
Yes, great to see that we are getting 'bulk' from other areas of the world
Quote from: talksalot on May 25, 2013, 08:20:33 AMGee I wish you guys would Quit(o) posting things like that
Speaking of Quito, Ecuador, I was surprised to read that the temperature fluctuates between middle 60's during the day and low 40's in the evenings even though it sits on the equator due to it being in the Andes mountains. Since there is no seasonal transition due to being on the equator the temps never change and the night time is equal to the daytime and also doesn't change. The sun goes down about 7:00 p.m. every day.
And, just for the TKE aka 807 Mound Street folks, the guys moving in this fall will be an unofficial home of the Sigma Chi fraternity (Not Sigma Pi)...this is a relatively new group that a few years ago had a house on Union (just up the street from the STG house)... but that burned down. Most of the rooms at 807 are 3-person rooms with a living room. WiFi is a challenge ... the building is completely cinder block and rebar-enforced concrete floors.
Hmm, didn't know that Sigma Chi had a house. I seem to remember a bunch of Sigma Chi people on my floor at Memorial later in my Valpo years.
tx, I remember a lot of Sigma Chis living in Memorial my true senior year. I don't believe they had a house until recently, and even then I believe it took over one of the other fraternity houses? I'm probably wrong on this, but I haven't had a good memory about these kind of details for about 7 years now.
Sigma Chi had a house several decades ago that was somehow destroyed (fire, I believe...but don't quote me on that). When their house ceased to exist, the bulk of the fraternity moved into Memorial. In the years (decades) since, they have managed to use the dormroom assignment system to their advantage and get most of their sophomore members in that building (impressive, especially since a significant number of sophomore males are stuck in Brandt). In addition, the fraternity's seniors have been renting the same 2 houses (used to be three) from a landlord annually which they use as "unofficial" houses to host parties and get around many of the rules imposed on fraternities with registered houses.
Quote from: Dave_2010 on May 26, 2013, 05:28:33 PM
Sigma Chi had a house several decades ago that was somehow destroyed (fire, I believe...but don't quote me on that). When their house ceased to exist, the bulk of the fraternity moved into Memorial. In the years (decades) since, they have managed to use the dormroom assignment system to their advantage and get most of their sophomore members in that building (impressive, especially since a significant number of sophomore males are stuck in Brandt). In addition, the fraternity's seniors have been renting the same 2 houses (used to be three) from a landlord annually which they use as "unofficial" houses to host parties and get around many of the rules imposed on fraternities with registered houses.
Sigma Chi was granted a chapter in March, 1990. "Decades" might be a slight overstatement.
The Valpo admission tumblr page posted some renderings of the new residence hall. Not terrible, but seem to be a little more plain that Guild/Memorial despite having some similar elements.
http://valpoadmission.tumblr.com/post/52707970567/drawings-of-what-the-new-dorm-will-look-like (http://valpoadmission.tumblr.com/post/52707970567/drawings-of-what-the-new-dorm-will-look-like)
A little bigger than I'd realized, interesting. The house-like structure on the side is interesting as well.
The old health center is now 100% gone and a couple of tennis courts torn up. (Demolition of the hospital continues too - but maybe a little more methodically.)
Quote from: agibson on June 11, 2013, 12:56:31 PM
A little bigger than I'd realized, interesting. The house-like structure on the side is interesting as well.
The old health center is now 100% gone and a couple of tennis courts torn up. (Demolition of the hospital continues too - but maybe a little more methodically.)
I am glad that awful health center is gone.....good riddance! This new residence hall will really improve the look of the northern part of campus. Soon, the north entrance could rival the US 30 entrance!
Construction is progressing nicely. This is going to be a pretty massive dorm! The photo is from the Valpo Residential Life Facebook page.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1091115_613610865336471_843113547_o.jpg)
From about a month ago from the Residential Life Facebook page -- the basement is progressing nicely. DId anyone happen to see the progress during Homecoming??
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1275823_623848954312662_1399099157_o.jpg)
Thanks for the update!
Something struck me while thinking about the new residence hall: where is the parking? This is supposed to be catering to upperclassmen (I believe), but there doesn't seem to be any parking associated with the development. The site is pretty closed off with the tennis courts to the south, Laporte Ave to the north, and University drive to the east.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on November 11, 2013, 05:31:58 AMSomething struck me while thinking about the new residence hall: where is the parking? This is supposed to be catering to upperclassmen (I believe), but there doesn't seem to be any parking associated with the development. The site is pretty closed off with the tennis courts to the south, Laporte Ave to the north, and University drive to the east.
I believe the new parking garage attached to the Harre Union along with the parking garage already built by Alumni and Brandt/Wehrenberg dorms are supposed to handle the parking needs of all the dorm students. I would think the parking garage for the Harre Union will be the next construction on campus and will be completed quickly.
I'd be interested in what historyman and others think about placing a parking structure next to the Harre Union. To me it seems like a bad idea since the Union is a beautiful building and because the goal --I thought-- was to move parking to the campus perimeter.
Paul
Hopefully the architect designs a structure that complements the building's design. I've seen some very nice parking structures that you'd have to look twice at before realizing it was what it was. Based on what I see in photos of the residence hall, digging down for sub-elevation levels could keep the structure's profile lower than the Union.
Quote from: 78crusader on November 11, 2013, 10:34:15 AM
I'd be interested in what historyman and others think about placing a parking structure next to the Harre Union. To me it seems like a bad idea since the Union is a beautiful building and because the goal --I thought-- was to move parking to the campus perimeter.
I think it comes down to how the parking garage's outside appearance melds with the outside look of the Harre Union. If done with aesthetic guidance (purpose hidden within the building structure making the garage seem like an extention of the union) then it will be fine. I don't think the parking garage by Alumni and Brandt/Wehrenberg makes the campus look any better yet at the same time any worse. Maybe more crowded and with less green space but that is inevitable. The garage should be totally hidden from view of the quad that is planned which will be enclosed by the Harre Union, Chapel of the Resurrection, Christopher Library, Arts and Sciences Building, future Nursing building and future labs/academic buildings (to go where the parking lot south of the softball field is now), Guild/Memorial and Mueller Hall. That quad will have a fairly large green space between the Arts & Sciences building and a future academic building primarily in the space where Huegli/Deaconess Hall had previously occupied.
As you might guess once the parking lots by the softball field are gone that parking garage is greatly needed. Adding in the former hospital parking garage to the parking situation on the north side of the campus will help but the parking by the dorms is the most critical.
I'm all for parking structures. They save green space and can be less unsightly than endless parking lots. I hope the parking garage behind the Union is given top priority and then we can eliminate some of the surface parking nearby and increase the green space. The master plan shows the garage behind the Union connected by a second-story bridge--that would be ideal. :thumbsup:
(http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4885/rfpz.png)
(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1164/8hfm.png)
The parking garage should go right over existing lots.
Here's my google maps overlay:
http://goo.gl/maps/N9jwW (http://goo.gl/maps/N9jwW)
See full master plan map: http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/Masterplan_Map_poster.pdf (http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/Masterplan_Map_poster.pdf)
And the pdf with the renderings
http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/VU%20MP%20Exec%20Summary_final.pdf (http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/VU%20MP%20Exec%20Summary_final.pdf)
Thanks for posting, a3. I realize that the rendering of the parking garage is probably just generic, but I hope it resembles something like that when it's complete. :thumbsup:
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on November 15, 2013, 08:25:11 PM
Thanks for posting, a3. I realize that the rendering of the parking garage is probably just generic, but I hope it resembles something like that when it's complete. :thumbsup:
It also shows cars safely parked on top, so yeah, maybe this is an unrealistic rendering for a Valpo parking garage.
Quote from: a3uge on November 18, 2013, 11:32:25 AMIt also shows cars safely parked on top, so yeah, maybe this is an unrealistic rendering for a Valpo parking garage.
OK, there is a dig here I'm not understanding, but I've only been on campus once (summer '10?) in the last 15 years.
Residence Hall going up quickly!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/valparaiso_university/10982020724/#in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/valparaiso_university/10982020724/#in/photostream/)
The new residence hall is now up to 4 floors:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1598568_694029913961232_2042631507_o.jpg)
Looks very impressive in person. Has an upscale appearance with great lines and character. A beautiful complement to the other upscale housing along LaPorte Av.
Looks pretty cool. What is the middle section that looks detached from the rest of the building? A grandiose entrance?
Hopefully, the new residence hall will bump up the current C+ campus housing grade:
http://colleges.niche.com/valparaiso-university/campus-housing/ (http://colleges.niche.com/valparaiso-university/campus-housing/)
It's interesting to read students' comments.
I would agree with the comments, but believe that today's college student expects a dorm of hotel quality, because they are spoiled rotten kids ;)
A "rough tour" of the new building is posted on Res Life's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=694523343911889&set=vb.216748738356021&type=2&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=694523343911889&set=vb.216748738356021&type=2&theater)
Here's an updated photo of the dorm construction:
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=694029913961232&set=pcb.694030907294466&type=1&theater
sfnmman, I already posted those. Hopefully the construction is moving along nicely!
okinawatyphoon, what you posted was a link to the architectural rendering of a "tour" of the new dorm. What I posted was a partial link (minus the standard http,etc., couldn't do the entire link) of a photograph of the actual construction posted about 1 week ago. There was no intent to duplicate your posting.
Quote from: sfnmman on January 25, 2014, 07:14:41 AM
okinawatyphoon, what you posted was a link to the architectural rendering of a "tour" of the new dorm. What I posted was a partial link (minus the standard http,etc., couldn't do the entire link) of a photograph of the actual construction posted about 1 week ago. There was no intent to duplicate your posting.
Thanks for sharing and welcome to the board!
Several posters have mentioned that at a recent function in Dallas, President Heckler mentioned that construction on the second new dorm would begin as soon as the first new dorm is finished and occupied. This is a dumb question, but where will the second new dorm be placed?
Paul
Not dumb at all. He didn't say. My guess, and that's all it is, is that one of the existing dorms will be torn down and replaced(bigger). If that happens it should be Alumni or one of the others without airconditioning.
That was my guess also, but can they afford to lose the an entire dorm for a whole school year? I thought I heard that occupancy was at 95% in the residence halls this past year. If one is torn down, without a replacement ready to go for one year, it seems like housing will be very tight. Not to mention the disruption caused by building a dorm right next to Lankenau and Brandt.
paul
Ill take a look at the Master Pln to see if something else makes sense.
With the building of the new dorm (is it called Beacon?) doesn't that add the space needed for students that would have been in the dorm that will be torn down? I don't see where the university is losing any dorm space since they are currently building a new dorm without tearing down an existing dorm. Did I miss something?
You do realize that there is a new dorm being built near the tennis courts and LaPorte Ave across from Scheele/Lankanau at the current time without tearing down any of the current dorms?
http://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_7d86ca38-1720-11e3-ad18-0019bb30f31a.html (http://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_7d86ca38-1720-11e3-ad18-0019bb30f31a.html)
ResLife expands into modern construction
It is being built on the corner of La Porte Avenue and University Drive, where the Health Center was previously located. The new hall is expected to be completed by July 2014, and will hold up to 300 students.
Quote from: historyman on March 23, 2014, 04:49:07 PM
With the building of the new dorm (is it called Beacon?) dorm. Did I miss someth doesn't that add the space needed for students that would have been in the dorm that will be torn down? I don't see where the university is losing any dorm space since they are currently building a new dorm without tearing down an existinging?
You do realize that there is a new dorm being built near the tennis courts and LaPorte Ave across from Scheele/Lankanau at the current time without tearing down any of the current dorms?
http://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_7d86ca38-1720-11e3-ad18-0019bb30f31a.html (http://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_7d86ca38-1720-11e3-ad18-0019bb30f31a.html)
ResLife expands into modern construction
It is being built on the corner of La Porte Avenue and University Drive, where the Health Center was previously located. The new hall is expected to be completed by July 2014, and will hold up to 300 students.
Well you kinda missed something in that we had kids sleeping in dorm lounges to start last year and will be adding additional students this fall. The new form will temporarily solve the problem but an additional dorm will be needed soon. If we are enar capacity with the new dorm then tearing one down to replace it will put a real squeeze on space until the new one is completed--if, that is the plan.
OK, I just looked at the Master Plan and the only new dorm is Beacon Hall, currently under construction. All the dorms will be essentially where they are now, labeled "renovation/reconstruction". I suppose they could do an addition to say, Alumni and when the addition was done you could begin reconstructing the old part. Should be interesting.
I do not have any inside information on this, but based on my reading of the publicly released master plan
http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/VU%20MP%20Exec%20Summary_final.pdf (http://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/VU%20MP%20Exec%20Summary_final.pdf)
I believe a new dorm will be constructed south of Memorial-Guild, roughly where the old Linwood Apartments used to be.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uXsJZC72roE/Uy-MK64vwhI/AAAAAAAAALg/Ar0jQkXuSEU/w800-h360-no/Master_Plan_Map_800px.png)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7G3BuV6QH14/Uy-MKuDf6BI/AAAAAAAAALc/nQ0FtaVGH0s/w800-h388-no/Master_Plan_800px.gif)
Great catch ml2, I missed that site when reviewing the Master Plan. Thanks!!
Vu72, Heckler did say that they won't be tearing down any of the current dorms to build this other new dorm. They would renovate and update the older ones, but that it didn't make sense to tear down any existing structures while we are growing the student population
Yes, I also read somewhere (but can't remember) that the second dorm will be built by Guild/Memorial.
Quote from: vu72 on March 23, 2014, 05:29:23 PMQuoteIt is being built on the corner of La Porte Avenue and University Drive, where the Health Center was previously located. The new hall is expected to be completed by July 2014, and will hold up to 300 students.
Well you kinda missed something in that we had kids sleeping in dorm lounges to start last year and will be adding additional students this fall. The new form will temporarily solve the problem but an additional dorm will be needed soon. If we are enar capacity with the new dorm then tearing one down to replace it will put a real squeeze on space until the new one is completed--if, that is the plan.
I question whether the lounge dorm dwellers and new dorm students will add up to 300 considering many of the new students will be graduate students and foreign students who tend to live off campus but I'm sure anything to avoid putting dorm students in the lounges for even a short period of time should happen. The scenario vu72 and ml2 alluded to makes tearing down a dorm a mute point.
Quote from: valpotx on March 24, 2014, 01:46:31 AM
Vu72, Heckler did say that they won't be tearing down any of the current dorms to build this other new dorm. They would renovate and update the older ones, but that it didn't make sense to tear down any existing structures while we are growing the student population
Sorry, I forgot that he said that. At some point however, the existing dorms will need to be essentially torn down as the Master Plan envisions all dorms taking on the appearance of Guild/Memorial/Beacon, which will require major/major/major work including enlarging and gutting. That type of work can't be down over a summer.
The university's Facebook page posted this photo update. I like that they are attempting to imitate Guild/Memorial Halls, but so far it appears to be a cheap copy that lacks many of the architectural details of Guild/Memorial. Nonetheless, it's a vast improvement over the current dorms (Lankenau, Scheele, and Brandt).
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t31.0-8/1780128_10152253812458632_2020080789_o.jpg)
Definitely an upgrade. Hope the next new dorm (down from G/M (?) will follow this style as well.
I wouldn't call it 'cheap' lol
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 27, 2014, 07:47:36 AM
Definitely an upgrade. Hope the next new dorm (down from G/M (?) will follow this style as well.
That's the plan. If you look at the Master Plan, all dorms either new or remodeled will have this more classic look.
I agree that the dorm could have more interesting features. However, the building cost $28 million, so I'm not sure that the university is "skimping" on this dorm.
Paul
Where will students who live in this dorm park their cars? There doesn't seem to be any additional parking in that area to accommodate the increase in students. Is the plan to just encourage the use of the parking garage?
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on March 28, 2014, 04:15:41 AM
Where will students who live in this dorm park their cars? There doesn't seem to be any additional parking in that area to accommodate the increase in students. Is the plan to just encourage the use of the parking garage?
Good question. My guess (just that) is that the new parking garage attached to the union may be coming sooner than later.
Here's a recent aerial view of the new dorm to give you an idea of how it fits in campus. Courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Blog.
(http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/AIR_6698-1024x667.jpg)
Quote from: vu72 on March 27, 2014, 12:21:25 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 27, 2014, 07:47:36 AM
Definitely an upgrade. Hope the next new dorm (down from G/M (?) will follow this style as well.
That's the plan. If you look at the Master Plan, all dorms either new or remodeled will have this more classic look.
Latest rumor circulating is that a new dorm to house the sororities will be located on Union Street in the lot across from the Victory Bell west of the ARC and Scheele will be remodeled as a general residence hall for incoming students.
Quote from: valpopal on May 14, 2014, 10:06:42 AM
Quote from: vu72 on March 27, 2014, 12:21:25 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 27, 2014, 07:47:36 AM
Definitely an upgrade. Hope the next new dorm (down from G/M (?) will follow this style as well.
That's the plan. If you look at the Master Plan, all dorms either new or remodeled will have this more classic look.
Latest rumor circulating is that a new dorm to house the sororities will be located on Union Street in the lot across from the Victory Bell west of the ARC and Scheele will be remodeled as a general residence hall for incoming students.
That makes sense, location wise, as the Master Plan calls for new Greek housing adjacent to it on Union Street.
Is 704 Union still standing? Hell, I lived there 60 years ago and it was already showing some wear and tear. Gut it!
Quote from: setshot on May 14, 2014, 02:01:31 PM
Is 704 Union still standing? Hell, I lived there 60 years ago and it was already showing some wear and tear. Gut it!
If you are talkng about the OX house, yes, to my knowledge, although abandoned when they were kicked off campus, it still stands.
704 Union is near the corner of Greenwich and Union west of the ARC and south of Union St. There is now an intramural field in that lot. You can tell by the soccer goal that sits near Union St.
EDIT: For the "older" alumni you might remember the old Greek's Pizza location which later became Maria Elena's/Gabriella's and is now closed. It was across Greenwich from the lot where 704 Union stood which is now an intramural field.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=704+Union+Street,+Valparaiso,+IN&hl=en&ll=41.463497,-87.051997&spn=0.001264,0.00247&sll=41.475425,-87.053415&sspn=0.080385,0.1581&oq=704+Union&t=h&hnear=704+Union+St,+Valparaiso,+Indiana+46383&z=19
Word on the street was that they were ready to build 2-3 buildings for Greek life by 2015 and they would hold a lottery for rights to buy the new property. I know SigEp, PhiPsi and Sig Chi are all itching for new housing and would probably be able to make a significant down payment on a new facility. The Sororities want a new home too because theyre still in a crappy freshman dorm as sophomores and juniors.
The long term planning at Valpo is really poor - the university makes promises each year and some of the fraternities have the cash or can easily raise the cash for a down payment. Plans change or never happen and the houses on Mound keep getting older and older. Hell, we had a chimney guy come when I was house manager at SigEp tell us that our house could be condemned if we used the fireplace anymore.
Here's a map I made last year, you can see where the greek housing will go...
(http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3733/valpomasterplan1.jpg)
http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/ValpoMasterPlan (http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/ValpoMasterPlan)
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Fwww.scribblemaps.com%2Fgetkml.aspx%3Fid%3DValpoMasterPlan%26g%3DB285EEE&ll=41.463827,-87.044206&spn=0.011063,0.024762&t=h&z=16 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Fwww.scribblemaps.com%2Fgetkml.aspx%3Fid%3DValpoMasterPlan%26g%3DB285EEE&ll=41.463827,-87.044206&spn=0.011063,0.024762&t=h&z=16)
and here's the master plan:
(http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4738/masterplanmap1.png)
HISTORYMAN: My Booboo. I meant 804 Union,the old OX house. "72 got it right. Thanks! Here's to dear old Theta Chi. :thumbsup:
Ok, yes that frat house still sits just east of the 5 way intersection of Union, Linwood & Greenwich.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n151/indytd/IMG_20140630_145041_072.jpg?t=1404184745)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n151/indytd/IMG_20140630_145158_687.jpg)
I took these photos on Monday. The fence is down and the finishing touches are being done to the inside of Beacon Hall. Some of the tree planting has been done and the landscapers said they will be working about another 2 weeks to finish the outside area. There is a circular drive that faces Scheele Hall with a funny tree in the middle of the circle. I'm afraid my picture of it didn't turn out well.
Thank you for posting those pictures, historyman! The building is a bit bland but a vast improvement over the older dorms in that area.
Looks cool to me!
Why do dorm buildings have to look great from the outside? Don't the students live inside the dorm, not on the outside of it, right? I'm sure it will look a lot nicer once all the interior is taken care of, plus having sod down and whatever else they are waiting to put in there for the upcoming school year.
I don't get to campus often during summer, but I was there today and checked out Beacon Hall. The exterior seems complete and looks very good since the grass is filling and flowers are growing. In fact, as you get closer there are a lot of quality details that are noticeable, such as the stone crests embedded in the brickwork that display the torch symbol with words etched across it, including "Excellence" or "Service."
The front door was open, and though I wasn't supposed to do so, I walked inside to check out the lobby of the main floor, which was fully furnished and resembled a hotel. (There were workers bringing a truckload of furniture to the upper floors through a back entrance.) Inside, the details are also impressive. There are marble floors as in the Harre Union, and there is a lot of rich-looking woodwork finish, especially up the main stairway and along the interior framing of the windows. I have to say I was impressed by this addition.
Here is a photo I took:
(http://i58.tinypic.com/s2vcja.jpg)
Thanks for the update and photo, valpopal! It certainly seems like a wonderful addition to campus, and I hope the university continues with that style. :thumbsup:
One question that comes to mind: Where are the residents of this dorm supposed to park? Even before, it was difficult to park in that area.....maybe more students will park on the parking lots near the Softball field?
Beacon Hall is now open to students, and the NWI Times had a great article about it along with some great pictures. http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/vu-opens-new-residence-hall/article_a725f799-ffb2-516b-8fcc-3292ff43245a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/vu-opens-new-residence-hall/article_a725f799-ffb2-516b-8fcc-3292ff43245a.html) Below is an image from the article, credit Jon L Hendricks:
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f5/2f596f2e-4cb2-5e57-a0f3-6216fe0f0204/53ee86e258f94.preview-620.jpg)
Thanks for posting the link. No mention is made of dining facilities, so I guess we can assume that residents go to other dining facilities on campus for meals -- it's only a short walk to the Union, right?
Some of the athletes are already in Beacon Hall and seem to love it.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 18, 2014, 05:45:17 PM
Thanks for posting the link. No mention is made of dining facilities, so I guess we can assume that residents go to other dining facilities on campus for meals -- it's only a short walk to the Union, right?
When the new union was opened all dining services were consolidated to the union. There are no longer cafeterias in any of the dorms.
Quote from: Valpo2010 on August 18, 2014, 08:13:47 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 18, 2014, 05:45:17 PM
Thanks for posting the link. No mention is made of dining facilities, so I guess we can assume that residents go to other dining facilities on campus for meals -- it's only a short walk to the Union, right?
When the new union was opened all dining services were consolidated to the union. There are no longer cafeterias in any of the dorms.
Weren't there only 2 dining halls open when they closed the old union? The old union and one of the twin dorms?
Just for curiosity, what became of the dining room between Wehrenberg and Brandt and the dining facility in Scheele? .......Argh, This dates me.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 18, 2014, 10:21:27 PMJust for curiosity, what became of the dining room between Wehrenberg and Brandt and the dining facility in Scheele? .......Argh, This dates me.
I believe both were remodeled into lounges with comfy furniture and such. But not the airport type. Can anyone confirm?
Brandt still had a dining room while I was in school, but it was never in operation, having been closed for a few years as far as food service. It still had a café setup at that time, in regards to seating. Dining was at 'Berg, old union, and Lankenau, I believe.
Interesting to read that article saying that there are no phones in the building, showing how much has changed in just 10 years. I remember that it was rare for someone to have a cell phone on campus, and we still used calling cards often :)
Yes, I remember often needing to get a new calling card, or re-up my calling minutes. I'm surprised there will be no phones in the new dorm for the sake of local calls, or room-to-room, although I'm sure with all the texting that gets done these days, who needs a phone in the room?
Man, that's tough to hear, because my first job was working Dining Services in the summers. Usually in the Wehrenberg/Brandt kitchen. Those were some good times. Everyone should work food service at some point in your life because otherwise, you just never know what it takes to get it there!
I would come home and mom would want me to do the dishes. "Mom, I just did 200 band kids' dishes!" "Well, 4 more won't kill you then, will it?"
Quote from: valporun on August 19, 2014, 11:54:48 AM
Yes, I remember often needing to get a new calling card, or re-up my calling minutes. I'm surprised there will be no phones in the new dorm for the sake of local calls, or room-to-room, although I'm sure with all the texting that gets done these days, who needs a phone in the room?
There are no phones in the rooms, but there are emergency phones "throughout the hallways."
Prior to the Harre Union opening there were dining halls open and active in Berg, Brandt, and there was a "general store" (good for breakfast, snackage, and emergency supplies) in Lank. Centralized dining really enabled me to see a lot more of my friends during meal times which is helpful if your major-specific classes keep you on opposite ends of campus during the day.
The consolidated dining concept was really a great idea. I spent 3 years with separated cafeterias and the last year with the Union, and it really did build a sense of community because you knew your friends would be going to the same place. I just hope that with the increase in students that it doesn't become too overcrowded.
See, this is strange to me; I went to a school with 1900 students and we had like 5 dining halls.
I think it would have made me eat out in town a lot more just to get different scenery!
Interesting that they opened Brandt for food service after I left. I think that they still cooked things out of that kitchen, but it wasn't served there, instead being served in Berg.
Here is a tour of Beacon Hall. Very nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-5Ak7DaXs#t=11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-5Ak7DaXs#t=11)
Quote from: vu72 on August 22, 2014, 04:49:05 PM
Here is a tour of Beacon Hall. Very nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-5Ak7DaXs#t=11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-5Ak7DaXs#t=11)
It's very impressive. I can't wait until more dorms like this are constructed on campus.
Does anyone on this board know for sure when the next dorm will be built? I seem to recall that President Heckler said this past spring that as soon as Beacon Hall was ready, construction would begin on another new dorm. When I was on campus a couple weeks ago I spoke with a few people who are in the loop, but no one seemed to know when or where the next dorm would be built.
I did look at the lot just east of the ARC and while it is true that it has been cleared, the house on the northeast corner is still there and it seems to me you can't really build a new dorm on that lot as long as the house is there. One person I spoke with thought the new dorm would be placed where the Linwood Apartments used to be, just south of Guild Memorial. I've heard that from other people as well.
The folks I spoke with indicated the next academic building would be a new science building, but I got the feeling the proposed date of spring 2015 was iffy since funding isn't all in place yet. I know a new science building at Wheaton cost $80 million, which is nearly $10 million more than the Union cost. I've heard that perhaps this new building would be built in two phases to alleviate funding concerns.
Paul
Not exactly..................................................it depends on which design they chose.
Here are some of the finalists for dorm design
(https://vincemichael.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/chgo-bldg04.jpg)
(http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/unicube.jpg)
(http://assets.dwell.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2012/11/01/greenharvard.jpg?itok=LY1lz6CF)
(http://loveistheanswer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bed-006.jpg)
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/cdc-temporary-dormitories.jpeg)
(http://harrisonandjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BACK-WINDOW.jpg)
(http://ivecsphilippines.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Kids_Brain.245163303_std.jpg)
(http://www.emerick.com/images/Chemawa.jpg)
(http://www.dailyherald.com/storyimage/DA/20140814/news/140819118/EP/1/1/EP-140819118.jpg&updated=201408141626&MaxW=800&maxH=800&updated=201408141626&noborder)
(http://tbo.com/storyimage/TB/20131020/ARTICLE/131029926/EP/1/1/EP-131029926.jpg)
(http://www.universitybusiness.com/sites/default/files/field/image/MuhlenbergDSC_2793.JPG)
(http://www.gvsu.edu/cms3/assets/D170805B-0A0F-0778-6362C0CA043D2455/history/1970-1980/ua000721-600.jpg)
(http://rawculturecollective.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/100_2184.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/8500HPGASTURBINE/100_2524.jpg)
And the real kicker is that these are all images of university/college livings arrangements somewhere in the world.
The modular one with the crane dropping a section into place is from Muhlenberg College.
Hey don't knock Florida Poly.
Any school will take your money if you qualify regardless.
Per the interview with President Heckler on WVUR, the university has "taken possession" of the University Promenade development (the new condos on University street). Not sure if we bought them or lease them, but it sounds similar to what we did with Uptown East.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on December 05, 2014, 06:44:07 PMthe university has "taken possession" of the University Promenade development
(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/56853281.jpg)
While checking out the Hagerman Group's website to see if there were renderings of the Sorority House complex, I found a list of their Valparaiso University projects. Listed under the Residential Projects, there's the Sorority Housing and "5 new residence halls." I guess the Hagerman Group won the contract for all of the additional residence halls. I just hope they all match the quality of Beacon Hall!
Quote from: historyman on August 18, 2014, 11:16:38 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 18, 2014, 10:21:27 PMJust for curiosity, what became of the dining room between Wehrenberg and Brandt and the dining facility in Scheele? .......Argh, This dates me.
I believe both were remodeled into lounges with comfy furniture and such. But not the airport type. Can anyone confirm?
Last I heard the Berg cafeteria was being used to hold surplus furniture.
In my tenure as a student , 96-00, the berg cafeteria was open throughout. Brandt was open, for a year or three, but on a limited basis. Was it just one meal? Breakfast? Or maybe it was training table only?
After it closed it was left with cafeteria tables and booths, and was basically study space through 2000, at least.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on February 16, 2015, 01:22:16 PM
While checking out the Hagerman Group's website to see if there were renderings of the Sorority House complex, I found a list of their Valparaiso University projects. Listed under the Residential Projects, there's the Sorority Housing and "5 new residence halls." I guess the Hagerman Group won the contract for all of the additional residence halls. I just hope they all match the quality of Beacon Hall!
It's my understanding that the sorority housing project is the last new housing in current plans. Probably Scheele gets renovated, and perhaps other dorms do as well. But, as of last academic year, there aren't more planned. The anticipated larger student population will be housed, I guess, in other ways. (More international and possibly a bit older, more likely to live off campus? And/or Uptown style?)
I've not seen a detailed plan but the "no more new dorms" was surprising and definitely got my attention.
Quote from: 78crusader on August 24, 2014, 04:46:12 PM
The folks I spoke with indicated the next academic building would be a new science building, but I got the feeling the proposed date of spring 2015 was iffy since funding isn't all in place yet. I know a new science building at Wheaton cost $80 million, which is nearly $10 million more than the Union cost. I've heard that perhaps this new building would be built in two phases to alleviate funding concerns.
Probably at least three phases. The first was in a fairly advanced state of planning last spring, but was deemed too expensive for the proposed product. The process partially restarted in an effort to get more bang for the buck. I think it's meant to go in front of the board for approval this spring.
Ah, memories...my first job was working catering/dining services. Mostly in the shared kitchen between Brandt/'Berg. (read: DISHES, GALORE)
Fun times. How dining at VU has changed! Yikes.
Thanks for the updates and insights, agibson. :thumbsup:
Interesting to compare the announcement of sorority housing and Scheele renovation to the master plan's original vision...
For one, the master plan says that the difference between a major renovation of a residence hall and constructing one is not too different (for them, $10M), so it suggests just building new. But I guess there isn't enough money to make that happen, at least with Scheele, as the plan is to renovate it (unless the remodel is a very temporary fix to get another couple years out of the building). Does anybody know the extent of the renovations?
Do you know which STEEM building they are planning (or re-planning)? The m. plan has three buildings going up in three phases. It seems to indicate a replacement for education will be the first, followed by a physics, chem, bio building (more than twice as expensive), followed by the third.
Master plan link: goo.gl/xLpK50
pp. 48, 94, 212-215
Perhaps they decided to renovate the zig-zag dorms instead???
Renovating Scheele, Lank, Alumni, and Brandt would then save about $40 million. Which is quite substantial.
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on February 18, 2015, 10:54:24 AM
Interesting to compare the announcement of sorority housing and Scheele renovation to the master plan's original vision...
For one, the master plan says that the difference between a major renovation of a residence hall and constructing one is not too different (for them, $10M), so it suggests just building new. But I guess there isn't enough money to make that happen, at least with Scheele, as the plan is to renovate it (unless the remodel is a very temporary fix to get another couple years out of the building). Does anybody know the extent of the renovations?
Do you know which STEEM building they are planning (or re-planning)? The m. plan has three buildings going up in three phases. It seems to indicate a replacement for education will be the first, followed by a physics, chem, bio building (more than twice as expensive), followed by the third.
Master plan link: goo.gl/xLpK50
pp. 48, 94, 212-215
Just looked at the plan and it does have Greek housing going in where it is proposed. It also calls for a "residence hall reconstruction" noted next to Scheele. The shape, as illustrated, is much different then what is there now, so the term "reconstruction" may include demolition and constructing a new dorm on the site, who knows.
I think it might also be less about the cost and more about the timeline. You would have to tear scheele down and start over which could put all of those beds off line for probably closer to 2 years. If you renovate you could limit that to one year. The biggest crunch the university seems to be in now is space. They need most of the beds they have available so they either need to build a new dorm (like beacon)or find a way to move people around to free up a dorm to renovate. The sorority housing offers an opportunity to empty a current dorm without losing revenue(and probably increasing it as I'm sure living in the houses will cost more) and still giving time to fix it up for the next year.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 18, 2015, 01:54:22 PM
I think it might also be less about the cost and more about the timeline. You would have to tear scheele down and start over which could put all of those beds off line for probably closer to 2 years. If you renovate you could limit that to one year. The biggest crunch the university seems to be in now is space. They need most of the beds they have available so they either need to build a new dorm (like beacon)or find a way to move people around to free up a dorm to renovate. The sorority housing offers an opportunity to empty a current dorm without losing revenue(and probably increasing it as I'm sure living in the houses will cost more) and still giving time to fix it up for the next year.
So the new plan for the sorority houses says each unit will have 25 beds. There are six units so that's 150 beds. Does Sheele have more than 150 beds?
Quote from: vu72 on February 18, 2015, 02:10:52 PM
Quote from: crusader05 on February 18, 2015, 01:54:22 PM
I think it might also be less about the cost and more about the timeline. You would have to tear scheele down and start over which could put all of those beds off line for probably closer to 2 years. If you renovate you could limit that to one year. The biggest crunch the university seems to be in now is space. They need most of the beds they have available so they either need to build a new dorm (like beacon)or find a way to move people around to free up a dorm to renovate. The sorority housing offers an opportunity to empty a current dorm without losing revenue(and probably increasing it as I'm sure living in the houses will cost more) and still giving time to fix it up for the next year.
So the new plan for the sorority houses says each unit will have 25 beds. There are six units so that's 150 beds. Does Sheele have more than 150 beds?
The rooms in Lank were numbered from 01 to about 40. And Scheele and Lank have near-identical layouts.
I'm not sure if I can assume this, but if all 40 rooms on each floor in Lank (2-5, since the layout of the 1st floor is different) are dorm rooms, we're talking about 320 beds. So if that's also true for Scheele, then 320 people (+ first-floor residents) would fit in Scheele.
Maybe those "25" beds each sleep two?
In the plan (written in 2009), it says "It is possible, with the current bed supply, to temporarily vacate an entire hall and still provide enough beds to meet the current demand. This would allow single halls to be demolished and rebuilt in place." While the enrollment is higher not than in 2009, 1) Beacon Hall certainly provides more capacity and 2) Much of the growth is from non-freshman (don't live on campus). They should still have the space needed to tear down and build up. The Tribune article on the new sorority housing states that renovations will begin in spring 2016 and reopen in the fall. That seems fast: maybe it is just a patchwork fix until it can be torn down and something new can be built. While saving $10 million on each building if VU were to remodel existing structures is considerable, so too are the costs of trying to "sell" those buildings to prospective students. Scheele was built in 1961. If they build a new one and it lasts another 60 years, they might recoup that $10 million over the course of the building's life simply through added value to the campus aesthetics. The current residence halls are certainly not helping attract students. I remember touring prospective students and their parents and walking briskly past them in order to get to better parts of campus. While they don't need to have lazy rivers or climbing walls, residence halls should be much more inviting than the ones in place now.
The one gripe I have about the university is the lack of history on campus. A majority of campus in post 1960s. The oldest buildings, mainly the freshmen dorms built throughout the 60s aren't in the best of shape, instead of fixing them up the university opts to rebuild. Very few buildings on campus, other than the Chapel and Hilltop, hold a historical significance on campus. The university dates back to 1859 yet there isn't a building remaining that predates 1900. I understand Valpo has a history of burning but I also know many historical buildings were simply raised when they were allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Don't get me wrong new state of the art buildings are great but so is the stoic historical buildings that oozes history.
While it is true that all the women living in Scheele won't transfer into the houses it will still alleviate any future housing crunches. They may currently have enough room to move everyone around. But, we do not know what the incoming freshman class will be and if they are closer to the class of two years ago, where the university had to use overfill strategies, you could very quickly run into a space issue before an old dorm could be razed and a new dorm could be built.
A few years ago, a VU professor wrote a great article about the history of campus. There is a pretty clear line that can be drawn to separate the aesthetics/campus plan of the pre-Lutheran era, which cuts out nearly half of the university's 150+ years. In the decades that followed the Lutheran purchase, the campus got hit by a surge of new students coupled with a lack of cohesive planning. There were plans to create a more traditional, gothic look, but that never transpired. Instead, we got a bunch of less-than-memorable buildings. They might be old, but unfortunately at this point we can't exactly imbue them with a sense of grandness or timelessness (as much as I'd like to) if it wasn't there to begin with. This quote from the story sums up what happened:
"By the later 1960s, it was apparent that the university had charged ahead with building without following Labatut's advice. In a 1965 letter to O. P., he registered his disappointment about recent campus additions, particularly regarding the placement of new buildings. He noted "so much wasted space for so few buildings.... buildings designed as if unsympathetic to each other, or designed by different architects at different times and without consideration for the quality of space between them," and he questioned the orientation of new buildings (18 October 1965, Labatut Papers). Labatut advocated "better land use, higher density of buildings, more order and greater economy of land, better landscape treatment and consequently more beauty" (Ibid). At Valparaiso, as was the case with many postwar campuses, the rapid speed of building had left insufficient time for careful planning."
Hopefully, now armed with a plan that takes the campus as a whole into consideration, we'll plant the seeds for a richer sense of visual history in a few decades.
Full story here: goo.gl/HJdRRt
The University Promenade development has been under investigation by the FBI for the past 2 years.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/fbi-pays-another-visit-to-porter-county-government/article_66fa64ee-1c18-52e6-9688-524c4d6bc939.html#utm_source=nwitimes&utm_campaign=/email-newsletters/dailyheadlines/&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/fbi-pays-another-visit-to-porter-county-government/article_66fa64ee-1c18-52e6-9688-524c4d6bc939.html#utm_source=nwitimes&utm_campaign=/email-newsletters/dailyheadlines/&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline)
Federal agents have been visiting various Porter County government offices for nearly two years, looking at a variety of areas of operations.
The investigations have also targeted the University Promenade development in Valparaiso and various records in the city of Portage, including campaign fund expenditures of Portage Mayor James Snyder.
There have been no indictments as of yet stemming from the investigations.
Quote from: bbtds on August 05, 2015, 11:24:44 PM
The University Promenade development has been under investigation by the FBI for the past 2 years.
Maybe the Promenade's only been involved for about a year? This might be the article that broke that piece of the story
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/valpo-s-promenade-development-targeted-by-fbi/article_df9ec764-aebf-53ed-89f7-818511c47941.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/valpo-s-promenade-development-targeted-by-fbi/article_df9ec764-aebf-53ed-89f7-818511c47941.html)
Porter County offices generally have been involved (they hold the country records) with an investigation for two years. The mayor of Portage seems to be one target.
I don't know how much, if anything, we know about where the Promenade fits into all of this.