Published: Aug 27, 2007
Like an expensive downtown condo, the new residence hall at The
University of Tampa has all the amenities of an upscale, modern living
space, plus breathtaking views of the Tampa skyline and cosmopolitan
dining options.
“Stadium Center is going to be the envy of all
the students,” said senior Mishell Thomas, a resident assistant for the
hall. “It’s absolutely gorgeous, and the rooms are nice and spacious.”
The
community will celebrate the residence hall’s grand opening on Sept. 6
at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the new building. The restaurants will offer
samples from their menus, and all grand opening attendees will be
invited to stay to enjoy a free lunch. R.S.V.P.s are requested, call
(813) 253-6220. » Campus Map
The second mixed use facility on the
100-acre campus, the $45 million Stadium Center houses a dining area on
the first floor, complete with a food court and an elegant, private
dining area. Rooms arranged in a suite style house 448 students on the
second through seventh floors. Every room is wired for Internet access
and wireless service is available in the first floor dining lounge and
in outdoor seating areas. The second floor also contains a lounge,
vending area, laundry and a community room for meetings, training
sessions and special events.
The typical student suite has a
common living room with two double occupancy bedrooms attached. Each
room is furnished with a lofted bed, a three-drawer dresser, a desk with
a chair and a wardrobe per person.
Cara Bernstein, area
coordinator, oversees 12 resident assistants in the new building. The
resident assistants moved in on Aug. 8 and she said they were most
excited about the dining facilities, the suites and the views of
downtown Tampa and the athletic facilities.
“The students liked
that they could sit in their rooms and watch baseball or soccer games
outside, which they think will lead to greater support of athletics,”
Bernstein said.
“One student recently walked in the building and asked me, ‘Why was this the year I decided to move off campus?’”
President
Ronald L. Vaughn said Stadium Center’s completion continues The
University of Tampa’s goal to be a community that mixes the residential
experience with the learning environment. In the past 10 years six new
residence halls have been built, and currently 68 percent of UT’s
students live on campus.
“This is an exciting project,” Vaughn
said. “It further ensures that students can live in a comfortable
residential environment on campus, which will augment their academic
experiences.”
About one-third of the students in the new
building will be first-year students and two-thirds are continuing
students. The sophomores and juniors living in Stadium Center will be
able to act as mentors and role models for the new students, said
Krystal Schofield, director of residence life.
“This will be
another opportunity for our new students and continuing students to live
and learn together,” Schofield said. “This building is truly a blended
community.”
The 19,000 square-foot dining facility will also
bring students—as well as faculty, staff and the public—together in the
new building. The dining facility features an old world Italian eatery
named Pandini’s; a coffee and bakery place called Jazzman’s; Salsa Rico,
which serves fajitas, burritos and tacos with fresh tortillas and
homemade guacamole; the Gourmet Grocer, where students can pick up
hand-crafted artisan sandwiches, wholesome premium convenience items and
savory hot soups; and Sedona Grill, with flavors from around the world
and a Southwestern flair; and a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius.
Another
option is Panache, an upscale restaurant offering contemporary fusion
cuisine in a secluded setting. The public is welcome to dine in any of
the restaurants during regular serving hours.
Construction of the
new residence hall began in February 2006. The Beck Group, which also
built Straz, Vaughn and Brevard halls on campus, constructed the
144,000-square-foot building. The building was financed through a bond
issue and a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor.