More than 200 Students Make Meredith’s New Apartments Home

By Melyssa Allen

As the first students to live in Meredith College’s new apartments moved in on August 1, they were greeted with a sign that revealed the building’s official name.

“Welcome to The Oaks” read the sign that hung from the balcony of the three-story building. More than 200 students will call The Oaks home this year.

Junior Kristy Herrmann is happy that she’ll be able to live in The Oaks for two years. The convenience of not having to move between academic years was a big draw for her.

“I’m excited about being able to be on campus and to stay connected at Meredith College during the school year and in the summer,” Herrmann said.

Herrmann and her neighbors, Elizabeth Lamb, ’10, and Anna Lamb, ’10, were already planning dinner parties. Both of the Lamb sisters said the new apartments felt “bright and homey.”

“It feels almost like we’re living in a house, but we’re on campus so we’re at home at Meredith,” Elizabeth Lamb said.

The new apartments are open only to juniors and seniors. Resident Catie Hitzigrath, ’10, said she chose to live in The Oaks because she was “looking for a transition into adulthood … living here is kind of a halfway point between being on my own and being in the dorms.”

Units in The Oaks are completely furnished, with living, dining and bedroom furniture, and appliances including washers and dryers. The apartment building consists of 48 units each containing four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and 30 units containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All bedrooms are designed for single occupancy.

The Oaks apartments are the first new residence facility to be built at Meredith since the early 1970s.

In celebration of apartment move in day, Meredith’s Alumnae Association were on hand to greet the new residents with a gift of special Meredith cups filled with candy.

“I am really jealous because I would have enjoyed living here so much,” said Alumnae Association member Leigh Ann Alford, ’08.

Nicole McGuinness, ’08, another member of the welcoming committee, agreed.

“As an alum, I am happy for the positive changes and direction Meredith is heading in, but I’m still jealous that I didn’t get to enjoy the luxury of living in an on campus apartment.”

Construction began in Spring 2008 on the apartment project. The Design/Build team was Choate Construction Company, HADP (architects) and BJAC (architects and interior).

Campus community members will have an opportunity to see how the students have decorated their new homes on September 11. The Oaks residents will hold an Open House from 3-5 p.m. A list of the apartments that are part of the Open House will be available in the lobby.