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.