Mount Ida College

In May 2007, Mount Ida College announced the construction of a new residence hall, which houses approximately 136 students. This is the first new hall at the College since Malloy Hall was built in 1992. Funded by revenue bond debt and philanthropic support, the residence hall was completed in May 2008.

Designed by Finegold Alexander + Associates, Inc. and constructed by Cutler Associates, the new building represents the next generation of student housing at the College. The residence hall boasts an innovative design, modern technologies, and energy efficient features. It is a three-story 36,000 square foot brick and stucco structure, which houses approximately 136 students and two professional staff members.

The unique design features two wings joined by glass bridges that glow at night. Two outdoor courtyards connected by a grand and open staircase surround the building. The courtyards tie the edges of the campus together and provide outdoor gathering places for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The senior class of 2008 designated one of the courtyards as its senior gift project and raised money to purchase benches for the courtyard.

Living and learning spaces that encourage student interaction are an integral part of the design plan. The interior combines the best elements of more traditional residence halls into an innovative “pod” design. Each of the six pods is a small community of 22 students who live in different types and sizes of rooms surrounding a common bath area. Lounges and study alcoves are located in the bridges and hallways between the two wings on each floor. The unique pod concept emerged from collaborative planning meetings involving faculty, staff, alumni, college trustees, and students. In particular, several students from the College’s Interior Design program played a key role in the design process.

The 3rd floor of the North Pod houses a special “quiet/study” living learning community, and the top floor of the South Pod houses the 21+ floor where students of legal age are permitted to possess alcoholic beverages in limited quantities. All female and co-ed floors are also options for upper-class students who select this hall for the upcoming year during room selection in late April.

The new residence hall was also designed to meet all the technology needs of the twenty-first century college student. All rooms have high-speed Internet access. Also, the entire building and the surrounding courtyards provide wireless Internet access to meet the mobile, “on demand” information needs of today’s students. The building utilizes a one-card system that tracks entry into the building and provides an additional level of security. Reflecting the College’s commitment to environmental issues, the building also has a variety of energy efficient features, such as the use of recyclable materials, solar hot water, and energy-efficient lighting with intelligent controls that reduce energy use.

» Learn more about Residence Life at Mount Ida College

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