By Norm Miller, LC News
PINEVILLE (LCNews) – Louisiana College will refurbish its oldest residence halls with a multi-phase plan over 17-months through a $5 million tax-exempt bond.
M.D. Descant, LLC, will complete the first phase of renovations, which include Tudor Hall and English Village.
“This is an answer to prayer and the result of hard work to significantly upgrade facilities that have seen no major improvements in decades,” said Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College. “With curb appeal ranking as the third most important consideration of a college by prospective students, these improvements will significantly improve our recruiting efforts and enhance our ability to retain students already enrolled.”
Board of Trustee Chairman Ken Schroeder praised Brewer’s leadership, citing the “dramatic changes” the president has made “to the school’s overall culture.”
“There’s a buzz around campus among the student body, the faculty, the administration, and the board,” Schroeder said. “LC’s enrollment continues to increase at a steady pace. However, one aspect of our school that hinders the growth in enrollment is the condition of our dorms. We believe that by improving this aspect of campus life, LC will be in better position to attract even more students.”
Tudor Hall room upgrades will include modular furnishings.
J.D. Perry, chairman of the trustee’s Business Affairs Committee, offered that the “renovation initiative will allow us to offer our students facilities to match” the “superior education” Louisiana College offers.
“Louisiana College has long been the best kept secret in higher education, but the secret is getting out,” Perry said.
Following two years of study and planning, along with discussions and approval by the BoT, the refurbishment plan includes extensive remodeling to corridors, restrooms, and residents’ rooms in
Tudor Hall, whose first floor lobby and commons area underwent modern upgrades and remodeling in 2017.
Tudor Hall’s rooms will feature modular furnishings and modern plumbing and light fixtures.
English Village will be reclad externally, and apartments A-D and H-K will be completely remodeled.
Additionally, the commons areas will be transformed into a bright and welcoming gathering place for students, according to the plan.
A rendering showcases the new English Village commons area.
Beginning next summer renovations to residents’ rooms in Cottingham Hall will reflect upgrades similar to Tudor Hall rooms.
Cottingham’s White Parlor, as well as hallways and other common facilities, underwent major renovations in 2017.
“When I arrived at Louisiana College in 2015, the need for campus-wide renovations and upgrades were painfully obvious,” Brewer said. “We began almost immediately improving curb appeal through landscaping that has garnered several local garden club awards and positive comments by our friends and neighbors.”
“The long overdue time has finally come – and we welcome it — to demonstrate how much we already value our current students and our desire to more effectively attract new ones,” Brewer said. “I am thankful for the hard work of our trustees and how readily they have embraced our Vision of Preparing Graduates and Transforming Lives by rolling up their sleeves to help implement it.”
