Granville gets an updated look

Students living in Granville Towers returned from winter break to find their residence halls sporting a bold new look.

Renovations included changes to each of the three buildings. Many were visible, some were not, but they were intended to give the towers a more updated look and to attract new residents for the coming years.

“We wanted it to be a place that students could take pride in and enjoy coming here,” said Allison Kenney, assistant general manager for Granville Towers.

Changes to the Granville Towers:

West Tower

-New roof, paint and carpet to The Agora dining facility

-Replaced the structural canopy at the tower’s entrance

-Renovated fitness center with separate spaces for cardio machines, weight machines and floor exercises

-New artwork for fitness center and lobby

South Tower

-Some lobby walls torn down; others painted

-Artwork in lobby and study lounge

-Study lounge renovated with new paint, carpet, study tables, chairs and upholstered furniture

-South structural canopy and breezeway replaced

East Tower

-New carpet, paint, artwork and decorations to the basement

-Game tables relocated from West Tower into the basement

“We understand that it’s different coming from a home that is decorated a certain way. When you’re talking about a high-rise building, it can be hard to do that, so we’re trying to bridge that gap.”

Some students said the renovations led to their housing decision for next year.

“It gives Granville a new look,” said sophomore Chazle’ Lassiter. “Kind of a cosmopolitan New York kind of feel. It actually contributed to my decision to stay in Granville next year because I saw all the things they were doing.”

Kelly Stasko, general manager of Granville Towers, would not provide information on how much the renovations cost. She said the costs for the changes were funded by a yearly budget approved and provided by the UNC Foundation, which owns the complex.

The UNC Foundation purchased the land occupied by Granville Towers and University Square in June 2008 for $45.75 million. Stasko said the renovations were not related to the change in ownership of the space.

Residents said they were especially excited about the changes to the East basement.

“The basement was really wasted space,” Stasko said. “So we replaced the carpet and moved the game tables down there.”

Kenney said more students have used the game tables since the furniture was relocated.

Most students said they felt the upgrades were an improvement over the old look, but said they still want several features, including wireless Internet, elevator improvements and community printers.

Sophomore resident Mazare Rogers said there are good and bad things about the changes to the main study lounge.

“The new paint they have there is a calming bluish-green and it really works to calm me,” she said. “It’s more spacious, but one thing I’m not such a fan of is the smaller tables.”

Almon Hall, a junior resident, said the renovations were improvements both functionally and aesthetically. He said he personally enjoys the creation of the game room in the basement of the East tower.

“We’ve already been down there to play air hockey and foosball,” he said. “I know this place has been here since the 70s. I don’t know if they’ve done renovations before, but it didn’t look like they had.”

Stasko said future renovations will focus on the student rooms and upgrading amenities, though no specific details could be provided.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.