University Of Iowa Plans To Sell Residence Hall Originally Built In 1968

Out with the old and in with the new at the University of Iowa. At least that's what the school is hoping for. The University would like to sell one of its residence halls to construct something new. This building was originally built in 1968 and purchased in 1982 by the University and has been a residence hall for the University of Iowa students ever since.

According to Press-Citizen, Mayflower Residence Hall, located at 1110 N Dubuque St, is home to over 1,000 students. Students of all ages have used this hall as their home in years past, whether they are first-year students, transfer students, or returning students who chose the dormitory lifestyle, rather than living off campus.

This possible change has been brought on by research and feedback from Iowa students. According to Now UIowa, the university is looking to make "significant upgrades" to the housing system and hopes this is done in the next five years. The goal is to improve student success and the retention of future students.

This won't be the only residence hall impacted by this potential future sale. Plans have been put into place to update and modernize Hillcrest and Burge halls, along with building a new residence hall on the east side of campus. Now UIowa reports the new residence hall would be built on the east side of campus and will mostly be used for students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th years.

Vice President for Student Life, Sarah Hansen, spoke to Now UIowa about the impact and success that comes with students who chose to live on campus. She said,

We know that living on campus provides students with the educational, social, and cultural experiences that support their success. At Iowa, 89% of first-year students who live in the residence halls continue to their second year compared to 82% of students who live off campus. This five-year plan represents an efficient and effective use of our resources while improving outcomes for students.

 

Feedback from the students has mentioned the distance Mayflower is from the school's main campus is too far. This is one of the least requested halls and has the most turnover rate of students who live there and chose to leave. Building a new residence hall on the east side of campus should help bring most students to the central part of campus and provide easier access to the universities amenities.

Sarah Hansen told Now UIowa,

Communal dining has a direct, positive correlation with student success, and it is one of the simplest and most fundamental things we can do for our students.

 

A preliminary draft of the universities 5-year plan will be presented to the Board of Regents and the State of Iowa on February 22. The university will need approval from the board before it can proceed with its new housing endeavor.