Longwood University recently opened the new and improved French Hall and Stubbs Residence Hall. After being emptied and remodeled over the summer, the Stubbs Residence Hall has many new features, such as brand new rooms and fully functioning air conditioning systems.
They have many improvements to the sorority chapter rooms, making it much easier to host chapter events inside. “I love the new layout of the chapter rooms, it’s much more spacious,” said Lauren Buzzelli, a senior at Longwood University. “Now we can have our entire chapter in the room all at once.”
WiFi is also offered throughout the entire dorm. Sophomore, Sam Kese, mentioned how much easier it is to not have to use an Ethernet cord in her dorm room, unlike last year.
Overall, the Stubbs renovation is in the final stages leaving the next few months for finishing touches. French Hall will soon be the communication and technology epicenter on campus, and the I.T. Department has already moved into the building. The process of moving a Television and Radio Department is nearly complete.
“The two-story television studio facility will feature a connected master control room, as well as a dedicated computer lab and eight editing suites making it possible for recorded or live broadcasting and improved student media content,” said Longwood University Associate Professor, Jeff Halliday. “This will allow our faculty to provide increased hands-on learning opportunities for students and a chance to consider exciting changes in curriculum, furthering our reputation as a growing and cutting-edge program in the state.”
The building itself is state of the art and packed with the latest technology, while still maintaining aspects of the old building. The wood floors in the main lobby have the original floorboards, which have all been refinished and restored. The staircases on both sides of the building are walled with the original bricks from before construction started.
“Everything is expected to be online and ready to go by next semester,” according to Matthew McWilliams, Longwood’s Director of Communications and Media Relations. The building is truly a testament to Longwood University; looking towards the future while preserving our history.
