Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash/Staff Writer
Jackson State University’s on campus housing will undergo a series of dramatic changes as Alexander Hall will continue its ongoing renovations and Stewart Hall will be shut down permanently.
The upgrades to the dormitories are part of Jackson State’s ongoing aspirations to advance the main campus for its students and to make the living spaces better places for them to live.
The legendary freshman dormitory, F.O. Alexander Hall, is currently being renovated, beginning with a facelift to the current female side, Alexander West. The renovations are projected to be completed in December 2014.
Dr. Marcus A. Chanay, Vice President for Student Life, said the renovations will be extensive within the long standing and historical dormitory.
“Alexander East will begin January 2015 with completion by December 2016. During the renovation of Alexander East, the entire lobby will be renovated. The restrooms be completely renovated. Half of the complex will be suites while the other half will remain traditional rooms,” said Chanay.
He added: “Changes were made because of the age of the buildings and the replacement of all pipes in the building. The Alexander West and East Halls are being funded by the State through legislative appropriations.”
Students said they welcome the upgrades to the building.
Danny Jackson, a senior English major from Arlington, Tenn., said the renovations will be good for the campus of JSU.
“It will make the campus look a whole lot better with new dormitories and I’m pretty sure would attract more freshmen since they see that they have better living arrangements. It will also make the students feel a lot better about the campus and the school. I definitely think it will contribute to a beautiful Jackson State community.”
E.T. Stewart Hall, one of the oldest male residence halls, will meet a timely end and will be permanently shut down at the end of the 2013 semester, subject to future demolition.
According to Chanay, it was not cost efficient for the building to be renovated.
Darryl Williams II, a junior English education major from East St. Louis, Ill. had concerns about the living conditions in the old dormitory.
“I think the changes are good. I feel like students at Jackson State deserve the best living conditions. My main concern was with Stewart Hall because the living conditions were unacceptable. I’ve lived there before so I would want to really see that improved, especially when alumni come back to campus. I don’t want them to see old buildings that have been there forever. I want them to see improvements so they can know that their money is going toward something that the students can benefit from,” said Chanay.
However, some students disagree with the demolition of Stewart Hall.
Carlos Smith, a junior psychology major from Jackson, Miss. said, “As a student, I’m glad to see that Jackson State is taking another step towards institutional advancement. As far as dormitories and facilities management, construction and bringing suites to Alexander Hall, that’s a good idea,” said Smith.
He added: “As far as the demolition of Stewart Hall, I’m a firm believer in keeping rich traditions and historic sites on the campus. I’m not for it, but if it is bringing the advancement of Jackson State, let’s go.”
Chanay said that a grassy area with sidewalks and benches has been proposed for the Stewart Hall area.
While it has not been specified yet how incoming freshmen will be accommodated in the midst of the renovations, Chanay stated that there are plans to build a new dormitory that will house both male and female students. The projected date for this project could begin in two to three years.
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