By Jenni Beaver–
This summer Morningside’s largest residence hall was given a much-needed facelift. Hawkins Construction, Credo (architects), and a wide variety of plumbers, electricians, and construction workers took Dimmitt out of the 1920s and brought it up to a modern level.
Between the air conditioning and free laundry, the hall now has a clean and bright atmosphere. “They took an old building and really added life to it,” said Morningside’s President, John Reynders.
For some students the renovation goes beyond cool air and clean clothes. Resident Assistant, Dominique Swanson says, “I love the new social aspect of Dimmitt. People come to the lounges and hang out instead of just staying in their rooms.”
Head Resident Assistant, Sarah Yankowski, agrees with Swanson. “I think my favorite thing is all of the lounges and the appeal of the halls is so much better.”
A fresh coat of paint, new flooring, air conditioning, a major kitchen upgrade, an elevator, and free laundry are the major updates for Dimmitt Hall. Assistant Director of Residence Life, Sheri Hineman says she likes the newness of the renovation. “It just looks nice, and they kept the historic features in the lobby. I really like that we didn’t lose all of the history that was in the building.”
With the excitement of the renovation came the realization that not everything could be completed in ninety days. The bathrooms didn’t get their full update, but Hineman says an improved monitoring system was put in place for the showers. “You can’t get scalded,” she said. Unfortunately, the pipes still get plugged easily and the showerheads are too low for many of the taller residents.
Yankowski says the elevator is a positive and a negative. “It’s weird to me that the handicap ramp is on one side and the elevator is on another. That’s the whole reason most people need the elevator.”
Despite the clogged pipes and distanced elevator President Reynders says, “I think it even exceeded my hopes. The finished product for Dimmitt is just wonderful.”
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