Report on the Year - Lasell College

2
www.lasell.edu
A Green Gathering
and Living Space
There’s been a buzz on campus since the announcement
of the construction of East and West Residence Halls. But
after the ribbon cutting and the September arrival of the
students who had the lucky room draws, the excited hum
turned to a roar.
“The opening of the two new
residence halls, the new McClelland
fitness center, and the courtyard are
tangible evidence of the forward
progress Lasell is achieving,” says
President Michael Alexander. “This is
one of the first steps in the execution
of both the Strategic Plan and the
Campus Master Plan and we are
particularly proud because both halls
have been built to LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design)
specifications. They are the first truly
green buildings on campus.”
When approaching the design of the
new quad, the architects considered
the whole side of the campus, from
Rockwell, to Forest Suites, and on
down to Woodland Road. “The
landscaping and flow were very
important,” says Director of Plant
Operations and Public Safety Tom
Koerber. “We paid a great deal of
attention to the VanWinkle garden
and, although we planted an
enormous number of replacement
trees, we also made sure that the
pathways did not disturb some
particularly beautiful specimens.”
The end result is magnificent, but the
construction was complex. “Because
we were operating so close to
VanWinkle and McClelland Halls,
we had to use different techniques,”
explains Tom. “We also ran into many
boulders, extensive ledge, and there
were continuous weather challenges.
We worked six days a week to make
the schedule.”
Students are taking full advantage
of the glistening complex. There are
people on the grass and walls having
lunch, working on their computers,
or playing Frisbee and Wiffle ball.
“I lucked out big time!” exudes Ainsley
Wolfe ’12, a Resident Assistant in West.
“When I first opened the door to my
room I couldn’t believe it. Plus, it’s a
five minute leisurely walk to class and,
as a member of the field hockey team,
I now have all of a one minute walk
to Grellier Field. The proximity of the
fitness center reminds me that I should
be working out.”
“This side of campus has turned into a
real neighborhood,” says Mike Costello
’12, who also lives in West. “There is a
total sense of community.
“Last year I lived in McClelland so
I had a first-hand view of all the
construction,” he continues. “I have
a close knit group of friends and we
wanted to be together as sophomores
and were definitely hoping for rooms
in East or West. We love this side
of campus!
“The quad creates a unique living
and leisure space and having such
an incredible spot at Lasell is huge.”
“The quad creates a unique
living and leisure space and
having such an incredible
spot at Lasell is huge.”
Mike Costello ’12