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LU res receives $5.9 million makeover

Renovations worth $5.9 million are currently underway on Laurentian University's Single Student Residence (SSR). Built in 1973, the SSR accommodates close to 400 students every year.
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Laurentian University’s Single Students' Residence is receiving a makeover. Supplied photo.
Renovations worth $5.9 million are currently underway on Laurentian University's Single Student Residence (SSR).

Built in 1973, the SSR accommodates close to 400 students every year. Alongside the Mature Students’ Residence, SSR was one of the earliest residences built on the Laurentian campus.

“This residence complex is so important to our on-campus population, and it’s time for a comprehensive facelift for SSR,” said the University’s Director of Capital Projects, Brad Parkes.

“We are making the building more energy-efficient and making some structural improvements, as well as updating the interiors.”

The renovations will include fresh exterior cladding and the replacement of insulation and windows throughout the complex. The structure comprises three inter-connected sections of four stories each, with a total of 72 apartment-style units containing single and double rooms and common areas.

The improvements will be carried out in stages, so that only part of the structure is under renovation at a given time. During each 8-month stage of improvements, students affected by the renovation will be given housing in other accommodation.

“As the work is happening in pre-planned stages, we’re able to ensure that everyone affected by this has suitable accommodation during renovations,” said Director of Housing and Food Services, Ben Demianuk.

As well as the improvements to the structure, changes at SSR will include new furnishings and a “style makeover,” said Demianuk. “We want the student spaces to meet current needs, in terms of design and function, and all suites are being re-done in contemporary colours. It’ll be spruced up, inside and out, with a more inviting and comfortable feel,” he added. Beds, desks, dressers, chairs and kitchen sets will also be replaced as part of the modernization.

Laurentian and its federated universities currently house approximately 1,600 students in a total of eight campus residences. The newest, the 12-storey East Residence, opened last summer.

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