A newly-remodeled Squires House in Paton College opens in January, the most recent in the circuit of residence renovations.

The renovations, which began with Barnes House in 2008, include many upgrades, including making the houses a lot more “green.” 

“With the old system, if you tried to heat one room, you heated five rooms down the hall as well. But the new heating and ventilation system will be much more energy efficient, and will make it much easier to control the temperature of each individual room,” explained Nancy Parsons, assistant director of operations with Housing, Food and Conference Services (HFCS). 

The switch from a hot water to an electrical heating system and the addition of brand new ventilation systems will have the largest impact on energy efficiency, according to Ms. Parsons. But other changes, including compact fluorescent light bulbs in every socket, will further decrease energy use and new low-flow plumbing fixtures will also serve to reduce water usage. Recycling stations will be provided on each floor so that students can do their part as well.

Apart from all-new electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, the renovations will provide each house with a complete face-lift and improved access to services for students.  

Every room will now have wired and wireless Internet access, as well as cable television access. And for the first time at Memorial, single rooms which previously held a twin bed are being upgraded to double beds, which are quite a benefit for conference lodgings.

New flooring, furniture and paint, co-ordinated in each house's traditional colours, finish off the renovations with a touch of class.

With the re-opening of Squires, renovations will begin on Curtis House and the journey toward a brand-new, on-campus residence continues.