This semester has been a time of change for Carle Hall and the students residing there. The construction happening at Carle is expected to be finished soon.
Colin Burdick, the assistant director for the facilities department, explained the final touches being done at Carle.
“We’re wrapping up construction at Carle this week,” Burdick said. “The signs and most of the wall graphics went up yesterday. They’re coming back tomorrow to finish the wall graphics so that’ll be done for the project. The last of the furniture is also expected to come in tomorrow.”
“From what we’ve seen over the last few weeks, students have been using the space,” Burdick added. “From what I’ve been hearing from them, they’ve been using the study rooms and meeting rooms. It’s been a huge improvement.”
Community Director Isabelle Handy provided her feelings about the construction coming to a close.
“While we had a lot of fun last year, and loved being here, both staff and students, the building was in need of some renovations in the lobby,” Handy said. “We did this to make more community space and I think that’s exactly what we’ve done here. What’s most exciting, if you look around Carle, it’s a Keene-State-themed lobby. We have Hootie on the walls, everything is red and white. It’s just a fun place to be.”
“Students are down here constantly,” Handy added. “Where you used to see walls, now we see community spaces. The students play pool all day long. Literally from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed. They’re lounging on the couches, they’re eating family-style dinners down here, they have a beautiful new kitchen to cook in. While the kitchen was functional before the renovations it was nowhere near as beautiful as what we have now.”
Faye Gianunzio, a first-year student living in Carle, shared her thoughts about the new renovations.
“I’m really happy with the renovations being done on the Carle lobby because for a while it felt like we were closed off from socializing with one another,” Gianunzio said. “With the lobby done it’s easy to bump into your friends and study together or sit on the couches for a chat. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the kitchen.”
Connor Marquette, who is also a first-year residing at Carle, shared a similar sentiment to Gianunzio.
“They did their work really quickly,” Marquette said. “In terms of what’s been done, I love it. It’s easily the best lobby out of all the dorms. All the couches are really comfy and everything is all brand new, and that’s what I really like about it. It was also done really fast and that was nice.”
Ethan Palma and Laurence Jewett, both first-year students living in Carle, provided their thoughts on the renovations.
“It was definitely a big upgrade,” Palma said. “It took some time, but it was definitely worth it because it allows everyone in the building to come together and hang out and have fun.”
“I love it,” Jewett added. “It’s really big and the lobby has some nice study rooms. I’ve done some studying there and it’s been really great. There’s a lot of TVs, brand new pool tables, and it’s all been really nice.”
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
cerno@kscequinox.com
