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Grant Tower C highlights Move-In Day 2011

August 18, 2011

Nearly 2,600 eager students packed the streets surrounding the NIU residence halls Thursday, Aug. 18, for Move-In Day 2011.

Moving away from home for the first time can lead to some anxious moments for some students, but the enhanced amenities of the newly-renovated Grant Tower C should ease the transition.

The Grant Tower C renovation is part of the NewNorthern Lifestyle initiative, which is designed to significantly improve the university’s on campus residential facilities.

The tower features state-of-the-art amenities, such as individualized temperature controls, modular furniture and advanced security measures. Personalized proximity cards are issued requiring students to identify themselves in elevators and at their residence hall room.

President Peters greets a NIU student and his family during Move-In Day on August 18.

Lindsey Myers, assistant director of marketing and publications for NIU’s Housing and Dining, said the upgrades have been met with praise from the building’s new residents.

“We’ve heard the same comments from parents and students – the rooms are spacious, they’re beautiful, newly redone and very well done,” Myers said. “There were students involved in the planning process of what sort of renovations would be done, and this is the payoff. They’re getting to see their input turned into the real thing.”

Other perks include washing machines that text students once their laundry is finished, 50 percent more living space in each room and modernized bathrooms with increased privacy. In addition to the features inside of Grant, the landscaping surrounding the building has also been improved.

NIU President John Peters said the improvements to Grant will provide students a better living-learning environment.

Grant Tower C provides today’s students with the space, privacy and amenities that they demand,” Peters said.

NIU’s “Residential Renaissance” kicked off April 18, 2011, with the groundbreaking on a new 1,000-bed residential complex located north of Lincoln Hall that is scheduled for completion by fall 2012.

Additional improvements to one third of all NIU residence halls are scheduled through 2013, including both north towers in the Grant complex. Gilbert Hall, which has been serving as an office, will also undergo renovations as it is converted into a residence hall with improved and modern amenities.

“I am delighted to say that it sets a high standard for the rest of our efforts to revamp our housing stock,” Peters said. “As those projects come online, NIU will become one of the most attractive campuses in the state when it comes to living quarters.”

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