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This summer Stuart Hall will undergo its second and final phase to bring the 40-year-old building up-to-date.

The Board of Trustees recently approved $2.8 million to complete the renovation of Stuart Hall as well as the final phases of a project to update the University's Central Mall located between Kennedy Union and Marycrest. Stuart Hall's second phase includes renovating the lobby, elevators and common areas. According to assistant vice president for facilities Beth Keyes, Stuart's Landing will have minor improvements, the chapel will be renovated and moved, the desk in the lobby will be moved to a more central location, the laundry room will be redone, an outdoor patio will be added and sidewalks will be put in along the road bisecting the Stuart parking lots.

The University completed the first phase of the project to Stuart's 316 rooms during the summer of 2009 which included upgrades to air conditioning, windows, restrooms, central gathering areas and space for campus ministry, plus installation of new drywall, carpet, ceilings and lighting. The total cost of both phases of the Stuart Hall project is $16 million and is funded by bonds purchased by UD.

Current Stuart resident Annie Boone is delighted she gets to experience Stuart after the first phase.

"The new renovations are awesome," she said. "The bathrooms are the nicest on campus and the lounge is really great to have, especially when everyone comes in late on the weekends. It acts as a nice community builder."

While some upperclassman are bitter about not getting to enjoy Stuart's renovations, sophomore Erin Kaltenrieder, a Stuart resident before the first phase of renovations, has mixed feelings.

"I think that renovations in Stuart were necessary; however, a lot of items that were removed were the highlights of living in the building," she said. "For example, the sink was the best part of a Stuart room. Being able to wash your face and brush your teeth without walking down the hall was a luxury. Also, being able to cook for yourself using the stoves and ovens on every other floor gave freshmen an opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal."

Stuart Hall is the midway point in a university wide, five year, $42.5 million renovation to residence halls. The University has already completed a $20 million renovation to Marycrest and almost $6 million worth of renovations to the Virginia W. Kettering and Campus South residence facilities. According to Keyes, renovations to Campus South and Founders are in the future. Keyes hopes these renovations will help attract students to UD.

Plans for the central mall still need one more approval to be finalized. If the project is approved, construction will start in March. Plans for the central mall include a terraced amphitheater and overlook to be built into the hill in front of Marycrest, stone seat walls and benches and more than 100 new trees. The stage will have electric outlets which will be a great addition for students wishing to perform.