Rider Breaks Ground for Residence Hall Expansion, Student Recreation Center

Rider University President Mordechai Rozanski and members of the Board of Trustees broke ground on Thursday (April 1) for a $16 million program of campus renovation and building projects that will transform the look of the Lawrenceville campus’ main mall.
            Plans call for residence hall expansion and renovation on the north side of the mall and construction of a student recreation center adjacent to Alumni Gymnasium.  Work will begin on the projects this spring with a targeted completion date of August 2005.
            “These projects are part of a facilities master plan that we intend to use to reshape Rider’s campus in the coming years,” said Dr. Rozanski. “This is all about our students. This first phase will enhance residential life with exceptional living accommodations and much-needed intramural, fitness, and recreational space.”
            Paul Lang, Board of Trustees chair, said, “This is the beginning of a new energy for Rider.  This is a great day and a great change for us.  As you look on campus, imagine what new students will see when they get to campus.  They’ll see the construction and see new buildings that they are going to use.”
            Topping the list of new projects is the renovation of Ziegler and Hill Residence Halls and the construction of a new residence hall between those two buildings.  When the project is completed, 186 beds will be added in a variety of living arrangements.  The project includes:

• The renovation of Ziegler and Hill Residence Halls, creating three-story suites or apartments out of existing one-story lounges;
• The construction of a new residence hall between Ziegler and Hill with air conditioned apartments and suites;
• Construction of a common entrance area for Ziegler and the new residence hall that will feature a reception and lounge area, mail boxes, laundry room and a loft lounge;
• A portal archway between Hill and the new residence into the emerging quad behind;
• Peaked roofing to add architectural distinction to the structures;
• Upgraded electrical service to Ziegler and Hill.

           Construction of a new student recreation center will address the serious lack of space on campus for intramural sports and aerobic and fitness training for students.  The 45,000 square foot center will feature:

• Three recreational/intramural basketball courts;
• A 3,600 square foot, glass-enclosed fitness center;
• An aerobics room;
• Locker room facilities
• A second-floor jogging track;
• Space for future offices and meeting areas on the second floor.

           The student recreation center represents phase one of a three-phase project that will ultimately result in the establishment of a student sports and recreation complex.  Phase two includes an atrium connecting the SRC to Alumni Gym with a spacious lobby where students and the campus community can congregate. Phase three involves renovation of Alumni Gym where Rider’s NCAA Division I competitions are held. Both phases two and three will be completed as resources become available.
            The Rider University Board of Trustees approved this $16 million program of new construction and renovation in February of this year.  Rider will borrow $14 million for the project and the balance will come from funds raised through the capital campaign. 
           The Spiezle Architectural Group is the architect for these projects.
           The residence hall and recreation center projects are part of a long-range facilities master plan focusing on the needs of both the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses.  The plan will serve as a guide for future priority setting.  Physical changes to the Lawrenceville campus over time will be sweeping.  At Westminster Choir College, plans are under way to explore improved performance, academic and residential facilities on its Princeton campus.

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