STUDENTS MOVE INTO NEW RESIDENCE HALL AT OTTERBEIN

From nursing home to residence hall, the recently renovated building at 25 W. Home St., Westerville, will become home to 200 students as they move back to campus Sept. 13-14. The three-story, 56,000 square feet building located next to Hanby Hall was purchased by the College in spring 2007 and includes office space designated as the new home for the Office of Business Affairs.

During the $4.5 million, 6-month renovation, waste from the original building was recycled, including metals from throughout the building and stainless steel kitchen fixtures. In addition, easily-replaceable ceiling and carpet tiles made from recycled materials were installed. The residence hall was furnished with wood furniture built in Ohio by a family-owned business. In addition, by renovating an existing building, Otterbein expanded the campus in a way that is courteous to its neighbors.

Each floor has a kitchenette, study rooms, lounges, laundry facilities and a recycling center. The residents can enjoy the outdoors on a large outside courtyard and patio. Entry to the building for students and guests will be from the south end near the building's parking lot.

"The College's goal to raise residential housing to 55 percent of traditional undergraduate students is well within reach with recent developments of the Suites in 2007, the Commons on Home Street in 2002, the Commons on Park Street in 1995, and now this new residence hall," said Vice President for Student Affairs Robert Gatti.