Refurbishing Residence Halls

By Norm Miller

Louisiana Christian University will refurbish its oldest residence halls with a multi-phase plan over 17-months through a $5 million tax-exempt bond. Contracted to complete the first phase is M.D. Descant, LLCU. Phase one includes 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 Dr. Rick Brewer, president of LCU.

“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,” he said.

LCU Board of Trustee Chairman Ken Schroeder said, “The leadership that Dr. Brewer brought to Louisiana Christian University has resulted in dramatic changes to the school’s overall culture. There’s a buzz around campus among the student body, the faculty, the administration, and the board. LCU’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, LCU will be in better position to attract even more students.”

J.D. Perry, chairman of the trustees’ Business Affairs Committee said, “Louisiana Christian University has and continues to provide a superior education and this renovation initiative will allow us to offer our students facilities to match. Louisiana Christian University has long been the best kept secret in higher ed, but the secret is getting out.”

Following two years of study and planning, along with discussions and approval by LCU’s Board of Trustees, 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 re-clad externally, and apartments A-D and H-K will be completely remodeled, and the commons area will be transformed into a bright and weLCUoming gathering place for students.

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 Christian University 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.”