UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 20, Page 3
February 20, 1992
Renovation projects make for enhanced west complex

     When the Rodney Residence Hall Complex opened its doors in the
fall of 1966, students wore bell-bottomed jeans and listened to
their favorite hits on eight-track tapes and AM radio. The complex
was popular.
     But, over time, newer residence hall complexes, such as
Pencader, and the Christiana Towers, have replaced Rodney as living
areas most sought after by students.
     To enhance Rodney's image, the Department of Housing and
Residence Life has implemented a three-phase plan that includes
physical plant renovations, new room furnishings, lounge remodeling
and landscaping improvements.
     According to Richard Strazzella, assistant director of housing
and residence life, the major goals of the project are "to give
Rodney an attractive image of its own and to make it more
compatible to student needs."
     Internal improvements began by replacing wall-mounted
furniture with moveable beds and dressers, giving students the
choice in room arrangements. Ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures with
easy-to-reach wall switches also were installed, and security
screens were placed on all first-floor windows.
     Less visible, but equally important improvements were made to
Rodney's physical plant. Roofs were replaced where needed, and new
piping and heating system units were installed in Rodney A and B.
     This summer, heating and ventilation system renovations will
be done in Rodney F, and the installation of new ceramic shower
stalls should be completed, according to Strazzella.
     While these improvements enhanced student comfort and
security, the most visible changes took place in public areas.
     The Rodney A/B main lounge was completely remodeled, with new
furniture, lighting and carpeting, creating an attractive meeting
and study area for students.
     West area housing officials currently are working with student
and staff groups on the renovation of the main lounge in Rodney C/D
and the floor lounges in Rodney A/B.
     Outdoors, the most noticeable addition is the new Rodney
Complex sign, adjacent to a newly landscaped bus stop area on
Hillside Road. Additional sign and landscaping improvements will be
coordinated with renovations to Rodney Dining Hall.
     David G. Butler, director of housing and residence life, said
the renovations are part of a rolling, six-year plan, which is
reviewed annually.
     "Between $2-$3 million is spent annually to replace roofs, to
upgrade heating and electrical systems and to make residence halls
more attractive to students," Butler said.
     The primary purpose of this campus-wide operation is "to meet
student needs and ensure the integrity of housing building
systems," he said.
     Butler said changes also will be made to the area from the
railroad underpass to the inner courtyard of Rodney, to make the
area more attractive and informative.
     "Rodney is actually a pretty good location and is close to
many academic buildings," Butler said.
                                        - Jerry Rhodes