New improvements to Edens Quadrangle means that Pitchforks’ food may not be the only reason to wander past Keohane.
The construction work—which began in May—has aimed to make Edens a more desirable place to live. Completed renovations to the area include a two-story glass structure added to the common room in Edens 1C, a glass entry portal, updated interior work and, most recently, a new exercise facility. Rick Johnson, assistant vice president for student affairs for Housing, Dining and Residence Life, which is sponsoring the project, said that students have responded positively to the changes.
“The reaction has been overwhelming,” he said. “We knew it would be spectacular, but we didn’t know there would be such strong reactions.”
Johnson explained that the project included upgrades to kitchens, common rooms and laundry rooms, which were completed during the summer. A high-tech gaming room and a first floor study space in the glass addition are still under construction but will hopefully be finished by October, he added. The project was previously scheduled to be completed by the beginning of November.
The exercise facility in Edens 2A officially opened Aug. 31 with an open house featuring food and demonstrations of the workout equipment. Johnson noted that the fitness area includes two rooms—one for workout machines and a studio designed for group exercise classes.
“I think this is a great partnership between HDRL and the recreation center,” said Debbie Lo Biondo, associate dean for West Campus. “I am excited about the possibilities.”
Some students have said that the Edens gym does not offer the same range of equipment as other facilities on campus. Sophomore Jason Ng noted that the fitness facility lacks some types of strength training equipment.
A number of students said that they appreciated renovations as a whole, however.
“I was surprised they were done in time,” junior Matt Udelhofen said. “They did a good job. Everything looks really modern.”
Sophomore Rahul Sharma said that he thinks the new study rooms and common areas will be helpful for students, noting that the renovations—especially the game room—will encourage more students to visit the area.
Because of the updated common rooms with better tables for studying, students will be able to do homework in Edens instead of walking to Perkins Library, sophomore Jacquelyn Arreaga said.
Johnson added that he thinks the new transparency in Edens—achieved by replacing much of the existing stone work with glass—has transformed the area, adding that he has heard several students say they love living in Edens now.
He also explained that the new portal—which leads from the bottom of the steps at McClendon Tower to the center of the quadrangle—works to make the area feel more connected to the rest of campus.
“[HDRL] has heard for many years that Edens is too distant from everything,” he said. “I think we’ve overcome that now.”
Some students have said, however, that some of the changes are more cosmetic than practical.
“All in all it does make Edens look nicer, but it doesn’t feel too useful,” sophomore Vincent Zhang noted.
Despite the complaints, many students acknowledged that the construction work made Edens a better, more convenient place to live.
“It was a very positive evolution,” junior Elena Tamayo said. “With all the things that have been made, it’s like we have our own campus.”
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