College Services - Spring 2009 - (Page 12) FEATURE HOUSING SAIT Polytechnic’s New Residence Raises the Bar for Student Housing TOWERING OVER EXPECTATIONS By Cathi Bishop or the 700 or so young men and women occupying SAIT Polytechnic’s new residence, student living really is something to write home about. “The Tower” officially opened its doors in October 2008—and with that, immediately established a new Canadian standard for student housing on campus. Even the features that can’t be seen are future-thinking. Designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification standards, the residence boasts motion-sensor lighting, low-flow showers and plumbing fixtures, radiant heating in the walls, and a heat-recovery system unique for a building of its size. “I truly believe it is one of the premier residence buildings in all of North America,” says Lewis. The SAIT Polytechnic campus in the heart of Calgary, Alberta (population 1 million-plus) has been a city landmark since 1922 when the original—and still standing—three-story red brick and sandstone building was constructed on a prominent ledge overlooking the Bow River. SAIT has had on-campus student housing since 1972. However, when the original 500 bed residence was closed in 2005 due to structural and environmental concerns, that left one building housing just 456 students. “It’s part of SAIT’s philosophy that campus life is an important aspect of the education experience, and our goal is to provide accommodation for 10 percent of our full-time student population—about 1,200 beds,” explains Bing Runquist, SAIT’s Director of Facilities Management. “With the closure of our original residence, we needed to add another 700 to 750 beds.” The business plan for a new residence was developed in 2005, guided by an existing Campus Master Plan that zoned the campus for distinct functions such as academic, recreation and housing. With no option to expand the campus physical area—SAIT is surrounded by major traffic arteries and long-established residential neighborhoods—the only choice was to build up. Aptly named, the 22-story building is the tallest landmark on the Calgary skyline north of the Bow River. Its floor to ceiling windows on every floor frame breathtaking views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. Two well-recognized signs on the main floor exterior of the Tower are beacons not only for students who live in the residence, but for the entire SAIT community: a full-service Starbucks outlet and a Sobeys grocery store—the national company’s first on a post-secondary campus. “With these partners, the Tower is becoming a community gathering spot and a cornerstone of our revitalized campus,” says SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis. Inside, the one and two-bedroom units have a sleek and contemporary look. Wherever possible, modern condo-style design was incorporated to make the best use of space, including elevated beds with storage below. Kitchens feature up-to-the-minute décor with granite countertops, walnut cabinets and black appliances. Flat-screen televisions are standard in the one-bedroom units. Leases include local phone service, cable television and Internet connections. Common areas include lounges with flat-screen TVs on every floor, a game room, a workout facility, a study room and two meeting rooms. F Exterior view of the new Tower residence at SAIT Polytechnic. 12 COL LE GE S E R V I CE S | S PR I NG 2009
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