LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University will open two new residence halls this week, capping off extensive residential life construction and renovation projects.
In addition to the four-story, state-of-the-art Bassett and Pioneer halls, the university recently turned a large area in front of the new facilities into green space and opened a nearby pavilion and basketball and sand volleyball courts.
“These improvements to our campus enhance the value of a Transylvania education,” President Seamus Carey said. “The new buildings are not only attractive living spaces, but they also provide a college experience that integrates living and learning. I’m especially excited about the classroom and collaborative learning areas in the new residence halls.”
The new facilities, which will each house around 140 students, reflect the university’s traditional architecture. They are coed and feature lounges, laundry facilities and community kitchens. Each room has Tempur-Pedic mattresses and ceiling fans.
The first two floors of Pioneer Hall will be home to members of Transylvania’s four fraternities. And Bassett Hall will offer suite-style living for upper-class students.
Bassett is named after James E. “Ted” Bassett III, a lifetime member of Transylvania’s Board of Trustees. He contributed the project’s initial leadership gift.
These additions complement a similar residence hall, Dalton-Voigt, which opened in fall of 2015 and houses sorority members on the first two floors. Nearby Thomson Hall opened in 2008.
Most residents of Bassett and Pioneer halls will begin moving in Friday as they return for the beginning of winter term Monday.