LOYOLA HALL RENOVATIONS to BEGIN THIS SUMMER
By : Deb O ' Reilly
In December 2021 , Gwynedd Mercy University was awarded a $ 2 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for phase one of The Triplex Project , the renovation of Loyola Hall .
The Loyola Hall renovations will include upgrades to residential living / learning rooms , common spaces , meeting spaces , utility and technology rooms , and bathrooms . Renovations will also include upgrades to electric and WiFi , improvements to exterior masonry , ADA bathroom facilities , and installation of new in-room HVAC / ventilation systems .
“ Loyola Hall was built to last , but we ’ re excited for it to get the modern upgrades and amenities it needs while maintaining the building ’ s original charm ,” said Michelle Murray , Director of Residence Life . “ We may preserve features like the roomy , built-in wardrobes that students love , but students can expect upgrades like new fixtures , paint , indoor lighting , floors , and enhanced WiFi .”
Renovations will begin this summer and continue through the 2022-2023 academic year . During this time , first-year students who would typically reside in Loyola Hall and
St . Brigid will live in St . Brigid and Siena Hall instead , with upperclassmen and transfer students residing in Alexandria Hall .
“ Loyola is all about shared experiences ,” said Murray . “ Come the fall of 2023 , we ’ ll be able to return to the community-style experience that Loyola is known for , but with a substantially upgraded living experience for our students .”
ABOUT THE GRANT The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the $ 2 million funding of the project to the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority through the state ’ s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program ( RACP ). The RACP is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic , cultural , civic , recreational , and historical improvement projects .
“ We are truly grateful for the state ’ s support , especially Senator Maria Collett , Representative Liz Hanbidge and Representative Mary Jo Daley ’ 69 , in helping us move this exciting project forward ,” GMercyU President Deanne H . D ’ Emilio , JD said when the University first learned it was awarded the grant . “ This funding supports our plans to enhance GMercyU ’ s residential experience in significant ways . It also supports our mission to prepare Distinctive Mercy Graduates for successful careers and to make a real difference in their communities .”
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