Students returning to campus this fall may notice a new building in the Belmont skyline — Caldwell Hall.
Caldwell Hall is the newest and largest residence hall on Belmont’s campus at around 268,000 square feet. It houses around 600 students across 10 floors and has a two-story lobby. The building also features a fitness center and flexible basement space.
Anthony Donovan, the associate dean of students and director of residence life, thought the building’s construction was well overdue.
“It came, basically, out of a continued need based on the growth of the institution, the continued growth of the freshmen and returning number of students and our retention of current students," Donovan said.
When it came to Caldwell’s design, student interests and values were at the forefront.
“Some of it was that we looked at the popularity of some of the designs that we used in Tall Hall, the most recent hall that we built. Some of those designs are elements of the numbers and kinds of spaces that we were offering in that," Donovan said. “Some of it is trying to maximize the footprint of the building itself.”
Sophie Ryczek, a sophomore psychology major and resident of Caldwell Hall was excited about the location and change of scenery.
“I was excited that it was going to be a new building. So I was hoping that we would get all the cool stuff. So basically all of the perks that come with this new space that you're living in,” Ryczek said.
Ryczek also enjoyed the new amenities and common spaces offered in Caldwell.
“I appreciate it, having a common area where I just sit on the couch and play video games or work on homework. I don't spend a ton of time in my room,” she said.
Jackson Whiteside, a sophomore architecture major and new resident of Caldwell, echoed Ryczek’s sentiments.
“Most of the stuff I like is just apartment-specific, like you know, own room, kitchen, your basic stuff like that. The gym and practice rooms are definitely nice,” Whiteside said.
Whiteside, when reflecting on his freshman-year dorm, appreciated the perks of Caldwell Hall.
“The view is significantly better, and there is a large room in the basement with some vending machines that's really nice,” he said.
With Caldwell Hall fully constructed and finally in use, Belmont's housing can now accommodate the 4,500 students currently residing on campus with room to spare.
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PHOTO: Caldwell Hall Isaac Wetzel/Belmont Vision
This story was written by Braden Simmons