New residence hall opens at North Carolina college

The 136-room "New Hall" at Belmont Abbey College was built at a cost of $12.4 million.

Students have moved into a new residence hall at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C.

The Gaston Gazette reports that the five-story building, dubbed the “New Hall” until its dedication, is the largest capital investment in the college’s 145-year history. The $12.4 million facility replicates the Gothic architectural theme on campus and has 136 rooms, two classrooms, meeting and social areas, a kitchenette on each floor and a student lounge.

The floors alternate between women and men’s rooms. It’s traditional-style housing, meaning students will have one roommate, but will share bathrooms with the neighbors on their floor. Laundry rooms are situated on each floor.

The residence floors are accessible only with a student’s magnetic ID.

Belmont Abbey leaders believe New Hall will improve the on-campus experience for students. “The new residence hall answers a need we’ve had for several years,” says Tom MacAlester, vice provost and dean of student life. “When students live on campus, they have a more enjoyable and more successful college career. We look forward to having greater capacity on our campus, and giving more students the ability to call Belmont Abbey College their home away from home.”

The architect is MKC Architects.

MORE:Video tour of new residence hall:

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates