The University of Rhode Island has completed construction of Brookside Hall, a 500-bed, 203,000-square-foot residence hall on the Kingston campus.
The $94 million facility features a cafe open to the community, apartment units with full kitchens and living rooms and landscaped sitting areas.
“We celebrate the opening of a residence hall that substantially builds on our efforts to create dynamic neighborhoods on our Kingston Campus and gives students access to the latest technology, functional and comfortable living and learning spaces and our first dining facility within a residence hall,” says University President David M. Dooley, who cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the hall this week.
The facility is first new residence hall at the university since Hillside Hall, which opened in October 2012. Students moved into the new housing in January.
Brookside is designed for juniors and seniors. It has 122 student apartments, the majority of which are four- and six-bedroom units.
Each unit has a full kitchen with dining table, chairs, refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, dishwasher and sink and a furnished living room with a couch, chairs, coffee table, end tables and TV table. Central heating and air conditioning can be controlled in each apartment. Twelve apartment units comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
“Brookside Hall is the latest step in our efforts to build a more robust and vital residential community,” says Kathy Collins, vice president for student affairs. “The beautiful interior spaces are filled with natural light and provide students with wonderful views of our campus, including our newly refurbished Meade Stadium."
The Brookside Bistro is designed as an integral part of the residence hall. Students and community members will be able to sit and relax with friends while eating breakfast, lunch, and supper, and they’ll be able to grab items as they head off to classes or activities.
The project architect is Sasaki Associates, and the general contractor is Bacon Construction Co.
