PROJECT DETAILS
LOCATION : De Kalb, Illinois
MARKET : Education, Residential
AREA : 75,000 SQ FT
Northern Illinois University
The Gilbert Hall Modernization project is part of a larger residential renaissance on the NIU campus to ensure future students have the best living and learning environment possible. Gilbert Hall opened in 1952 as the third dorm at NIU and the first men's dorm. It was closed as a residence hall in 1995 and used as offices. At the start of the modernization project, much of Gilbert Hall was unused.
The comprehensive modernization of this 75,000 square foot building maintains its traditional charm, but features modern amenities that students desire. Gilbert Hall is now an extremely popular living option because of its location on East Campus.
The 4-story building now has air conditioning, new furnishings, a large exercise room, an elevator, wireless internet, lounges and meeting spaces for hall council, along with laundry facilities and vending. It also has an updated heating and sprinkler system, new bathrooms, a safety center for NIU police and a new cyber-cafe dining area with an outdoor patio. The residence hall offers single rooms, double rooms, and expanded double rooms. These amenities help foster Gilbert's community feeling and create a living experience for students conducive to the educational environment.
