Regents approve construction projects for North Georgia
Contact: Kate Maine, University Relations
706-864-1950, kmaine@ngcsu.edu
Dahlonega, Ga. (June 16, 2009) - North Georgia College & State University has received approval from the Board of Regents to proceed with plans to build two new residence halls, a new parking deck to accommodate expected residential growth, and a new dining hall.
"Beginning this summer, our campus will be busy with construction projects for the next few years," President David Potter said. "While it will be temporarily disruptive, we look forward to seeing this physical progress on our campus to further enhance the academic environment and student life at North Georgia."
The construction projects, totaling approximately $80 million, will be funded through tax-exempt municipal bonds that will be retired with student fees. Construction on the residence halls and the parking deck will begin this summer and will open in time for fall 2010 occupancy.
The two new residence halls, one for cadets and one for non-military students, will add more than 950 new beds to support the university's efforts to increase capacity for resident students on campus and to support an ROTC mission of increasing the number of officers commissioned.
The cadet residence hall will be built behind Gaillard Hall near the current Alumni Center and will house 352 cadets. The 600-bed residence hall for non-military students and the parking deck will be built on the west side of campus.
"Both of the new residence halls will feature suite-style accommodations," said Mac McConnell, vice president for business and finance. "The cadet dorm will have double-occupancy rooms and feature a floor plan unique to North Georgia to accommodate the leadership needs of the Corps of Cadets."
The design of each of the new structures will feature red brick to complement existing buildings on campus.
"The new civilian residence hall, located near the Health and Natural Sciences Building, will have phenomenal views of the mountains," McConnell said.
Once new residence hall space is available in 2010, the university will construct a new dining hall in place of Sanford Hall, which currently serves as a dormitory. The new facility will include seating for 950, a 250-seat banquet area, and an outdoor plaza area that overlooks the university's drill field.
The university also has multiple state-funded renovation projects and campus wide classroom technology improvements, totaling about $16 million, slated to begin this fall. First on list is the transformation of the former Stewart Library into a Student Success Center. It will house many student services in a single, convenient location on the top floor and the bookstore on the bottom level.
In 2010, renovation will begin on Young Hall, Barnes Hall, and the Hoag Student Center. Young Hall will feature expanded classroom spaces and offices, Barnes Hall will be used strictly for office space, and Hoag's interior will be renovated for expanded student-oriented space and an enhanced canteen.
All of the projects are part of the university's master plan update that projects North Georgia's enrollment to reach a maximum of 6,500 to 7,500 students in the next 15 years.
