Eastern Kentucky University notified affected students today (Sept. 9) that it will begin the previously announced razing of Martin Hall in February 2016.
The razing and subsequent construction of a modern, suite-style residence hall are part of an ongoing revitalization of the Richmond campus designed to enhance the student experience.
The University is implementing an “aggressive timeline” in order to have new housing for residents by Fall 2017, according to April Barnes, assistant dean of students for housing. “University Housing is developing a plan to relocate all students currently living in Martin Hall and will make the transition as seamless as possible. Transparency is a cornerstone of our action plan as we move forward together, and an exact plan will be communicated as details are finalized.”
Every affected student will retain the Martin Hall price point for the remainder of the academic year, and current Martin Hall residents will be given top priority for rooms in the hall that replaces their current home. “We are committed to our students’ success and will work diligently to provide a smooth transition,” Barnes said.
University officials believe the improvements will lead to more students living on campus and ultimately to higher retention rates. “Studies have shown that students who live on campus are more likely to continue their education and persist through graduation,” Barnes said. “To provide the best student experience, EKU Housing looks to offer the amenities and conveniences students expect.”
Named for Eastern’s seventh president, Robert R. Martin, and opened during his presidency in 1962, the four-story, L-shaped residential facility located near the intersection of Park Drive and Lancaster Avenue houses up to 400 students.
Martin Hall residents who choose to be proactive in finding a permanent space on campus are encouraged to participate in ongoing room changes by Sept. 14 with the rest of the campus community. “This will not be the only opportunity for Martin Hall students to move,” Barnes said. “However, it is the earliest time for students to find a permanent assignment in another residence hall.”
A question-and-answer web site (ekubuilds.eku.edu/martinhall) has been established to address common questions. Housing will continue to update the site as more details become available, Barnes said, and staff will be available to provide information and answer questions throughout the moving process.