Wiest Hall’s new replacement dormitory is scheduled to complete in early July according to Fort Hays State University Facilities Planning Director, Dana Cunningham.
Construction crews are currently finishing from the 1st floor and moving their way up.
The new $35.7 million building is designed to house 406 residents compared to Wiest’s capacity of 433 residents. This reduction will be made up through the themed housing developments next to Lewis Field Stadium, which will house up to 96 residents.
The dorm will include many types of spaces that are found in other on-campus housing locations including study rooms, lounges, meeting rooms, conference rooms, recreation rooms, laundry facilities, and a dining venue – not to be confused with a full cafeteria – according to Cunningham.
Cunningham added that due to flood plain issues, both “New Wiest” and the themed housing will not have basements.
“Both facilities will have reinforced concrete masonry safe rooms located on the ground floor for the occupants” Cunningham said.
Another exciting feature to the both new housing developments is keyless entry.
“Both buildings will also have electronic access control, similar to Hansen Hall.”
Hansen Hall residents are currently able to open Hansen Hall entrances and dorm rooms by simply touching their student ID to the electronic receivers, similar to technology seen in newer hotels.
Due to the close proximity of Wiest Hall and the new replacement, demolition will involve heavy equipment as opposed to explosives.
“Old Wiest is expected to be deconstructed with heavy equipment,” Cunningham said, “There are no plans to use explosives. The tentative start date is September.”
FHSU officials have yet to announce a name for the new residence hall.
“No name has been selected as of this date,” Cunningham said.