Quinnipiac’s Perlroth, Larson and Troup residence halls have been under reconstruction since June 2019 when asbestos was discovered while air conditioning units were being installed.

“When they began working on that project they discovered asbestos in the building and therefore they made the decision to close the residence halls,” said Mark DeVilbiss, director of residential life.

Quinnipiac is now revealing new information on the features and amenities that students can expect to see by May 2020, which is when the residence halls are expected to reopen.

“The three buildings have been completely redone,” said Sal Filardi, vice president of facilities and capital planning. “When you walk in, the mall will be all done with new flooring and new furniture which replaces the old benches which have been there for years.”

Each suite will also be refurnished. This week, students had the opportunity to attend a furniture showcase presented by RT London, a U.S. based company that supplies colleges and universities with student housing furniture made in the United States.

The showcase held a collection of new modular furniture pieces including stackable wardrobes, movable cubbies and two-in-one table and seats. The modular furniture can be rearranged to satisfy any living space for any student.

Students can also expect to see new desk chairs, which are now wider and padded.

Catherine Rogers, a representative from RT London, said “we are extremely excited to be working with a quality school like Quinnipiac, and hope to have a long and mutually successful relationship moving forward.”

Changes are also taking place outside the dorm rooms. RT London showcased the new suite layouts which portrayed more spacious common areas and bathrooms.

Some suites have also been reduced to three rooms in order to fit a larger bathroom.

“The bathrooms are gorgeous since its completely redone,” Filardi said.

These rooms are also compliant with the American Disability Act (ADA), which means these new spaces are more accommodating for those in wheelchairs.

“One of the rooms was used to expand the bathrooms so that suite is completely ADA accessible with roll in showers and everything,” Filardi said.

The reduced suite space has also contributed to a new common kitchen area and full washing and drying facilities.

Filardi also said Quinnipiac does not anticipate making renovations to existing residence halls any time soon.

“I think it’s the university’s intention to continue with upgrades to residence halls but specifically which ones are next have not been determined yet,” Filardi said.

Despite the initial change in renovation plans, DeVilbiss shared his enthusiasm for the project.

“These buildings are going to look wonderful when they reopen for the fall,” DeVilbiss said. “I believe students are really going to love living there.”