RPS continues Briscoe renovation

The Briscoe Quad renovation project has entered its second phase , and student response to the changes has been positive.

“Everybody wants to be in Briscoe,” said Tiana Williams, the dorm’s residence manager.

The plan to renovate has been in the works for several years, she said. IU wanted to
better meet student requests. The first phase of construction for Shoemaker tower and the center building was completed this fall.

It has suites for up to four people with private or semi-private bathrooms, according
to Briscoe’s website. Briscoe’s other residential building, Gucker tower, is currently
closed for construction.

While Shoemaker was renovated last year, Gucker was open for housing, Williams said. When the campus was faced with overflow housing at the beginning of the year,
students were concerned about not being able to use the lounges, Williams said.

Briscoe was one of the fi rst dorms that housed students in lounges. During construction, each of the buildings was nearly gutted, she said. Briscoe has new
ventilation systems, windows and space layouts.

Both students and parents are excited about Briscoe, Williams said, and requests are still coming in.

Briscoe Resident Assistant Kyle Roach said Briscoe used to be dark, with no air conditioning and standard rooms.

“It was an old building with old stuff ,” he said.

Freshman Shayna Harris said she likes the changes.

“It’s like a hotel,” she said. “It’s so nice.”

Williams said her residential staff has been planning events amidst construction for
students in Briscoe.

“The most important thing we’ve been doing is getting them connected to Briscoe,
so this large place can feel like home to them,” Williams said.

The project is expected to be completed in fall 2012 .