Rez life: MUN’s musical chairs

residence living situations still causing concern for some students

By Ben Wolthers

After several months of renovations and delays, the doors of Blackall house were opened. Those moving in weren’t the former members of Blackall, but those of Rothermere.

Rothermere house is next in line for the already-behind-schedule renovations that are set to span all 10 residences, and cost $3-million per house.

Despite some general annoyance regarding the physical move, the mood in Rothermere house is quite positive.

Andrew Bullen, a resident of Rothermere, welcomes the change of scenery, and hopes it will benefit them.

“The newly renovated house has features such as a lobby on each floor that makes it easier for us to socialize, and will hopefully bring us closer as a house,” he said.

The former residents of Blackall house looked on from their current home in Doyle house as the Rothermerians moved into their former building.

The unexpected renovations left Blackall no other option than to amalgamate with Doyle house, and try to rebuild the family-like atmosphere that is so often promoted within a university residence.

In October, Christine Burke, director of housing, food and conference services, commented on students’ concerns regarding the cohesiveness of residence life.

“Housing is very concerned about fostering a sense of cohesiveness and community within residences and continue to feel this is very important,” she said.

Early in the fall semester, it was confirmed that Blackall would not be getting their house back this year. Rothermere would be moving in to accommodate for their renovations.

Cahley Meldrum, a returning Blackall student, was looking forward to returning to the house as a member of their executive when she was notified over the summer that her house would be undergoing renovations.

“It’s not a huge deal, but it is still sad to see our house being completely renovated, and we’re not the ones who get to move in and enjoy it,” Cahley said.

Delays have slowed the renovation process, at one point forcing Barnes into a temporary hotel while renovations on their house were completed in fall of 2008. The chances of the former residents of Blackall ever being reunited with their house are looking grim, according to many students who live on-campus.

Nancy Parsons, of Housing administration, has made it clear that moving into a hotel will not be an option while students are anticipating the completion of the new residence.

Parsons said, “Blackall was a couple weeks late opening. However, renovations on Rothermere have now already begun. It will re-open for the Fall 2010 semester.”

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