Story Published: Nov 20, 2009 at 11:39 AM PST
Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 11:39 AM PST
The Olympia Avenue Residence Hall is housing about 230 students, who have been living there since the beginning of the school year.
WSU officials broke ground in May of 2008. Associate Director of University Relations Karlene Beaumont said that pushed construction crews through a quick timeline. Beaumont said it was about time, as Olympia Avenue is the campus' first new dorm in almost four decades.
"There's been some enhancement to the other facilities in that time, obviously to other buildings, but it was time for WSU to bring up our standards with housing," said Beaumont. "Students expect us to have a variety of living options for them, and President Floyd spear-headed that effort."
WSU spokesman James Tinney said about half of the building houses freshmen, while upperclassmen occupy the other half. Along with providing a few more much-needed beds, Beaumont said natural lighting is among a few features beginning the trend of greener residence hall living.
"Heating...they have panels outside - solar panels," said Beaumont. "A lot of the landscaping is natural landscaping. Everything has been directed to hopefully receive a LEED certification, the silver rating. It takes about a year, and they're working towards that. It's a wonderful building with all the sustainability components."
WSU officials dedicated Olympia Avenue in a 5:00 p.m. ceremony Thursday.
