Realizing that an over-crowding
situation exists on campus, Drexel University has already completed construction of
several new buildings within the past three years. This is not limited to just
housing, however. Aside from a new residence hall, construction has already
been completed on a new academic building and two vital center-pieces of
student life.
To combat housing concerns, Drexel
began work on Millennium Hall, a 17 story, 480 student residence hall located
at the Northwest corner of campus. This $42 million building opened in the fall
of 2009 for sophomores and currently houses freshman honors students at the
university (Student Life and Administrative Services). Construction of this
building was crucial to accommodate for future increases in student population.
In an effort to expand not only the
number of academic classrooms, but also the quality of the academic experience,
the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building was constructed on the Northeast
corner of 33rd and Chestnut streets. The 150,000 square foot, $69 million
building houses many academic classrooms and more than 40 laboratories. It is
also one of the greenest buildings on campus featuring a multi-story bio-wall
that improves air quality and regulates temperature (Student Life and
Administrative Services). Addition of new classrooms and laboratories is
crucial for diluting class sizes and creating more space on campus.
Students are not interested in
having extra space just in their living and learning environments. Drexel
realized this as it expanded upon the recreational and dining aspects on
campus. The Daskalakis Athletic Center, located along 34th and Market streets,
previously housed basketball courts for the varsity team and a limited workout
facility. A new, $42 million recreation center was opened in early 2010, adding
over 80,000 square feet of space to the existing facility along Market street.
Additions included more exercise equipment space, basketball courts, a three
lane running track, a six lane swimming pool, a climbing wall, squash courts, a
virtual golf simulator, and a restaurant (Student Life and Administrative
Services).
On the campus dining side, a new
dining center opened in the central part of the residential section of campus.
The Northside Dining Terrace, opened in 2009, brought 3 chain food franchises
and a market to campus. Its convenient location, right in the midst of freshman
housing, has made living on campus a more enjoyable experience.
Quality of social and recreational
facilities on campus is as important if not more important than academic and
housing space. So long as students are enjoying their out of classroom
experience, they will be happier during their stay at the university.
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