Funded by Mediplex Property Group, Albright College has officially opened a new five story, suite-style residence hall for sophomore, junior and senior students on the 1700 block of North 12th Street. Albright will manage the building and retain ownership of the 2.66-acre parcel, while Mediplex leases the land and owns the building.
In addition to this new residence hall, Albright’s public-private strategic partnership with Mediplex partners spans the popular apartment-style Rockland Hall (Rockland Street), and the home of the college’s Total Experience Learning students (11th and Rockland streets).
Like the Rockland Center, this striking, new residence hall is noticeable from highly traveled roads that lead into the city of Reading. And the proximity to Shirk Stadium is very exciting for athletes – who make up 32% of Albright’s student body.
“This public-private partnership is a great example for our student-leaders of how any organization can apply creativity and innovation across any discipline,” said Albright President Jacque Fetrow, Ph.D. ’82. “By partnering with strategic real estate experts who are dedicated to improving the well-being of surrounding neighborhoods and anchor institutions like Albright College, we simultaneously improve the living arrangements for our students and the aesthetic of our college neighborhood — as well as student experiences and outcomes.”
Research shows that students who live on campus also are more likely to take advantage of key success services, such as tutoring, computer support and even more nutritious food options, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and raise grades.
“We know that living in a campus community creates a culture in which students to feel more connected to each other and their college,” said President Fetrow. “This is one of the important reasons that we require our students to live on campus.”
In addition, students benefit from beautiful and thoughtful furnishings, wide open gathering spaces, living room spaces to interact with smaller groups, and for those who wish it — private space to focus.
Single and double rooms are available within each four-person suite, and furnished with desks, convertible desk chairs, extra-large twin beds, dressers, closets and window shades. Each suite includes a full couch, two armchairs, a dining table with four chairs and a full-sized refrigerator.
In addition to wireless service, ethernet connection is available (recommended for gamers). All rooms are air conditioned and free laundry facilities are available for residents.
In addition to a generous parking lot for the building’s residents, Albright also worked with the city to make the block between Shirk Stadium and the new residence hall one way, allowing for additional parking and a safer walking experience for residents and Lions fans.
