Cougar Village completes new look |
Melissa Stein |
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Cougar Village, home to traditional and nontraditional students and families, is now completely renovated. The $19 million renovations began May of 1999 and were completed over the summer of 2000. However, the project ran into a few roadblocks, one of which was asbestos in the floor tiles and drywall compound. Materials had to be tested for asbestos and some buildings had to be closed. An environmental consultant had to be on the building sites to monitor the air. According to Michael Schultz, director of University Housing, the renovations include new siding, new sliding glass doors, new cabinets and countertops, new bathroom vanities, and new telephone and data lines. The 400 side renovations also include repaved service roads, improved stormwater drainage systems, new windows and new balconies. The 500 side received major electrical rewiring, structural repairs to the second floor and new tubs. Also over the summer, all apartments received new living room sofas and chairs, new dining room table chairs, new desk chairs and new bed frames. New drapes will be installed in September. One of the oldest facilities on campus, Cougar Village began with the 400 side in 1970. The 500 side was complete in 1975. A 3 percent hike in Cougar Village rent was put into effect summer of 2000. According to Schultz, Cougar Village is "100 percent full." "Cougar Village is a ... hot application, and for years to come, it will be (difficult) to get into," Schultz said.. | |