UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 10, Page 9
November 2, 1995
Open house; University guest apartments open for business

     In early October, Housing and Conference Services officially
opened the top three floors of Christiana West Tower in Newark as
University Guest Apartments.
     The newly renovated units complement the 21 guest rooms available
at the Virden Center in Lewes.
     Tom Duetsch, manager of guest and special housing, is responsible
for the day-to-day operation of the 42 apartments. During the week,
Duetsch said, much of the guest business will involve those attending
conferences at Clayton Hall or visiting professors and other
University guests.
     "On the weekends," Duetsch said, "we will cater to the needs of
University affiliated guests-primarily parents, families touring the
campus and alumni."
     According to Barbara Graham, associate director of Housing and
Conference Facilities, "The need for quality, on-campus, overnight
housing for University guests has existed for years. During the
summer, visiting professors and other University guests have stayed at
Christiana Towers. During the academic year, there has been no
convenient accomodation for these guests.
     The creation of the guest apartments, at a time when student
requests for apartments has decreased, is good for both groups."
     The availability of these guest apartments also should attract
new groups that desire on-campus housing for conferences, David
Butler, executive director of housing and conference services, said.
An increased number of conferences, in turn, will use other campus
services and facilities, such as catering and conference rooms.
     Residence hall space is currently available for all
undergraduates who have requested it, Butler said, and, if there is a
significant increase in student demand, guest apartments could be
converted back to student housing. The full cost of building
improvements and the on-going operating costs will be covered by guest
apartment receipts.
     Some of the groups who have made reservations in the new
University Guest Apartments include a visting actors group from
London. Several Ukranian supreme court justices who will be attending
a month-long program at the University's English Language Institute.
     The 42 apartments, with a total of 54 bedrooms, can house 108
persons. The apartments have been redecorated with new wall, floor and
window treatments and new furniture, including queen-sized beds.
However, the essential floor plan and equipment, such as kitchens and
bathrooms will remain the same. Meeting rooms also will be available
for clients' use.
     The guest apartments will be staffed by students under Duetsch's
direction. There also are plans to involve students enrolled in the
University's Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management Program.
     Duetsch said the guest apartments will help to fill demands made
by departments and other units for visiting lecturers, candidates for
positions, visiting professors and others with University connections.
     "Using all our housing units and other support facilities fully
is important because it keeps the costs down for students. The
availability of guest apartments also makes the University more
competitive and attractive as a conference site," Butler said.
     The overnight rate for the Guest Apartments is $65, double
occupancy. Each newly-decorated apartment has both living room and
bedroom space, a refrigerator and stovetop and a 25" television.
     For more information, or to make reservations, call Duetsch at
831-1736.