Lindsey Warsnak

If you’ve driven through the corner of Ninth and Ash this year, you have probably run into an issue: the road is closed. The closure is due to the newest construction project at Hastings College, The 1882. While the detour has caused inconvenience for both driving and walking through campus, it is necessary in order to complete the construction of what will be the college’s largest residence hall.

The 1882 will be a suite-style residence hall located east of the newly renovated Hazelrigg Student Union. The building will provide the college with an additional 318 beds including: four-bedroom units, two-bedroom units, and a number of studio-style rooms. Alongside the new styles of rooms, the hall is set to feature lots of  amenities such as a large courtyard, an exercise facility, and several common areas.

The 1882’s planning and construction has been a priority for Hastings College. Administrators haven’t been the only ones with input into the project; student input and ideas have played a critical role in the planning process for the building. “This project is being supported by the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation,” President Rich Lloyd said. “When they visited with students, what they heard was the need to improve both dining and housing options. That feedback helped shape why this project became a priority.” Students had direct input through focus groups, Student Government, and the Student Insights Panel, which met with the architects while going through the design process. “Students asked for more common spaces, study areas, and recreational opportunities,” Lloyd said. “That’s why the building will include a new campuswide exercise facility and private bedrooms to meet student needs.”

The 1882 is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of Hastings College. Lloyd expects The 1882 to help with both retention and improvements to student life. “It gives the students additional options for high-quality living,” he said. This project is just one portion of a larger plan for improvements at Hastings College. This plan includes pressing matters such as the future of Fuhr Hall and the music program, Perkins Library, and classroom spaces. A student survey is planned to gather input for those decisions.

Students have been able to witness the construction of The 1882 up close, from the demolition of  Weyer Hall to the laying of concrete and the rise of the foundation. With each new stage, eagerness has grown throughout the student body. Sophomore Katelyn Tatcha said she has enjoyed watching the process and particularly noted the elevator shafts that are being built, as none of the current residence halls have them. “I think 1882 will be much better than the housing options we have now,” Tatcha said, considering that the only options for sophomores, other than the dorms, are the six-person apartments, which tend to lack space. Tatcha’s perspective speaks for the excitement among the student body, who see The 1882 as a step forward in improving campus living.

Though the road closure may be a temporary inconvenience, The 1882 is set to have a lasting positive impact on the campus. “I think it’s just going to be a really, really nice addition,” Lloyd said. “As we see it go up, I’m excited for what it will add to campus and to student life.” It represents just one step forward in the process of continuous advancements at Hastings College to give students an engaging and exciting college experience. 

The 1882 is scheduled to open next year.