Plans to Renovate the Suites Postponed in Favor of Refurnishing Newlin Lobby

Reported by Audrey Grice

Photographed by Luci Lettau

Rumors of a summer renovation to the Suites have been dashed following the recent announcement that the lobby of Newlin Hall will be refurbished to create a cozier atmosphere for residents. 

After multiple complaints that the lobby and adjoining kitchen were “too modern” and detracted from the “homey vibe” of the college, George Fox University (GFU) has decided to replace the furniture to match the aesthetic of other university housing. The public relations team has indefinitely postponed the Suites' renovation, having not provided an updated timeline.

“It’s just not fair to the students,” said Rob Terry, director of the Student Satisfaction Initiative. “Every student deserves to feel at home, and if students aren’t feeling that, something needs to change.”

Students have expressed mixed opinions about the change in plans.

“I was excited for the Suites to get renovated,” junior Carla Wilde said. “I lived there my freshman year, and it really helped me look on the bright side of everything.”

However, current Suites resident Curtis Saunders argued that renovating the Suites would erase history.

“There’s so much richness and heritage in these rooms,” Saunders said. “It would be a shame to replace them with anything newer. I don’t know if it will feel the same to walk into my room and have the AC working.”

Fellow Suites resident Amaya Langston agreed.

“I don’t know, it’s just not going to be the same,” Langston said. “I won’t be able to listen to the girls above me rant about their love lives as I fall asleep anymore. It almost doesn’t feel right.”

The concerns of those who opposed the proposed renovations have been alleviated by the indefinite postponement of the project. Instead, when students return to campus in the fall, they can expect to see Newlin Hall in a new light. 

Planned changes include replacing armchairs in the lobby with futons for a more “lived-in” look and setting a random timer for the kitchen sink to shut off. Additionally, the kitchen table will be replaced with four foldable card tables for increased accessibility.

While delaying the Suites' renovation has sparked debate, GFU remains committed to fostering a comfortable living environment, starting with the Newlin Hall lobby.