University to Close South, Max P, Snitchcock, and Burton Judson
By Catherine Alvarez-McCurdy
Jan. 3, 2013
Following the positive feedback the University received upon its announcement of plans to close and destroy Pierce Tower over the upcoming summer, the Housing Office has decided to close South Residence Hall, Max Palevsky, Snell-Hitchcock, and Burton-Judson in early 2014. ”Closing Pierce Hall was probably the most popular thing we’ve done in the last 10 years,” said Nicole Eggleston, the Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Housing. ”Sure, a few people were upset by the loss of traditions, but these kids are smart and quirky, they’ll think of new things to do,” she continued.
The closing of nearly 80% of student housing may come as a shock to some, but Dean Boyer believes that it actually has the possibility to remind students that the Life of the Mind must be explored through interaction with the outside world, not just within University-sponsored buildings. “I think that students will learn to be more independent, and will be more prepared for life after the University as a result,” said Boyer in a statement released by his office last Tuesday.
Dean Boyer is not the only one excited about the news. Daniel Lobater, CEO of MAC Property Management, is already planning several open houses for the spring and has assured students that “[MAC is] working hard to meet the increased demand. Weve been developing some great properties all along 64th Street that were looking forward to helping students take advantage of.”
Notably absent from the list of upcoming closings are the outlying dorms: Broadview, Breckinridge, Blackstone, and Maclean. When The Dealer inquired with one Broadview resident, Sean Fordhiemer replied, ”Housing? I dont think anyone out here has heard from them for, like, seven years.”
