Each bedroom now has a full-sized bed instead of the standard twin-sized bed .
facility , but also about changing the culture . The goal with most updates is to help someone understand why the product they are engaged or interested in is better . This was the goal with the Keys . Let ’ s break down the different parts of the upgrades .
1 ) Enclosure of the Buildings : This would allow for extra security as residents would now need to use an access fob in order to access the facility rather than the first point of security being their apartment door . These enclosures also allowed for a comfort level in terms of temperature as the Florida heat would not inhabit the building as much . Residents could also now meet with each other and build community inside the buildings and not have to worry about anyone else that was not a resident being inside the facility .
SIX BIG UPGRADES
1 . Enclosure of the Building with secure card access .
2 . Laminate Vinyl Tile 3 . Full-Sized Beds 4 . Stainless Steel Appliances 5 . Living Room Furniture 6 . Flat Screen TV
2 ) Laminate Vinyl Tile : Some people will know this as the tile that looks like wood flooring . This creates a much better experience financially for the housing department , but also allows for students to feel more comfortable about cleaning . This in turn potentially increases resident happiness .
3 ) Full-Sized Beds : Who wouldn ’ t want a full-sized bed ? These beds also allowed to have the dresser drawers under the bed and create space for a night stand in the room along with a desk . These beds created more comfort for residents .
4 ) Stainless Steel Appliances : These new appliances , along with the new cabinetry , give the kitchen a new sleek look and allow it to compete with any kitchen in an off-campus complex . Residents now have a flat-top range with a convection oven / microwave combo right above it .
5 ) Living Room Furniture : Residents now have leather furniture ( couch and two chairs ), a new kitchen table with chairs , and a wooden entertainment center . This provides a comfortable place for residents to gather in the common area of the apartment and develop community within the apartment .
6 ) Flat Screen TV : This update is about size and residential experience . A large Smart TV was mounted and pre-installed with the internet which allows residents to save time registering their TVs .
Also , space is saved by it being mounted and not set on the entertainment center . This allows more storage space for residents and room for game systems . This TV has also allowed for the Resident Assistant staff to have residents in their living rooms and have different programs for them . This is probably the favorite update amongst residents as it is an easy way to have a culture of community because residents can come together and relax on the furniture and watch a show or movie together and learn more about each other .
Being able to see these renovations happen has been a journey as most renovations have their challenges . Through it all , the most amazing thing has been the resident reaction . Residents have been more excited about living in the Keys . Staff have been able to interact more with their residents ( traditional and student-athletes ) because residents are more excited about being in the residential community of Keys .
Now the physical renovations are not fully completed as there are some smaller items to finish . The best part is that community has been a key to the Keys because residents have begun to see the importance of community and that it is not a place , but what is taking place . The Keys Complex has become an example of how a culture change can be impacted through physical renovations , but also how physical renovations can bring about a new spirit of community .
Each kitchen inludes new cabinetry , stainless steel appliances , and laminate vinyl tile .
The Keys Complex is stronger and better than ever and though we are in a new era of community , the community of the past was key to getting us where we are now .
The keys to community are not where it is in terms of location , but who is there , what is happening , and what is the vision . The people within UF Housing and the University Athletic Association have come together to win another championship for UF . This time it is in collaboration and community development .
* Sean R . Johnson is the Area Coordinator for the Tolbert Area and Keys Complex at UF .
HRE ALUMNI MAGAZINE | UF STUDENT AFFAIRS
KEYS COMPLEX UPGRADES
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