Students relocate amid construction on De Neve residential buildings

Fourth-year mathematics student James Newton examined his newly renovated room in De Neve Birch last week and then wrote up an in-depth list of pros and cons about the renovations, which he posted on Facebook.

Newton said he had a smooth moving process, but he noted a reduction in water pressure in the building, among other observations.

Construction began Wednesday on the last phase of renovations to the De Neve residential buildings, requiring residents to switch buildings in the middle of the quarter. Students moved from De Neve Acacia and Cedar to Birch and Dogwood last week after construction was completed in those buildings.

Workers renovated De Neve Fir in summer 2014 and Evergreen in summer 2013. The total cost of the renovations is estimated to be about $7 million.

The renovations include new paint, countertops, drapes and door signs, as well as floor-length mirrors on the bathroom doors.

“Many students were putting in their own (mirrors) and damaging the walls while taking them off,” said Barbara Wilson, associate director of room operations. “If we put them in ourselves, we wouldn’t have any of those issues.”

Housing officials told students before the year began that they would be asked to move, Wilson said.

Some students said they think the changes in their new rooms are small but noticeable.

“The lighting is so much better,” said Martin Wang, a first-year business economics student who just moved into Dogwood. “The restrooms are completely renovated, and they look brand-new. It just smells like construction.”

Wang added that he is glad he moved to a new building because he has a better view from his new room.

McKenzie Purcifull, a first-year business economics student, said it was inconvenient to switch from Cedar to Dogwood. She added that she spent a full day moving, and the only help she had was from a friend.

Construction on Acacia and Cedar is scheduled to be completed by June.