Mews Hall: A Modern Residence Hall at Cornell University
Mews Hall stands as one of the more recent additions to Cornell University's residential landscape, having welcomed its first residents in 2000. Situated on North Campus, it forms part of a larger initiative to unify the freshman living experience. This article delves into the history, architecture, and amenities of Mews Hall, offering a comprehensive look at what makes it a distinctive living space for Cornell students.
Historical Context and Development
The construction of Mews Hall was part of the North Campus Residential Initiative, a plan proposed in 1997 by Cornell President Hunter R. Rawlings III. This initiative aimed to consolidate the first-year living areas and foster a stronger sense of community among freshmen. The Hillier Group and Dagit-Saylor Associates were chosen to implement the plan, which led to the creation of Mews Hall, Court Hall, and Appel Commons.
Welliver, the construction company hired for the 38-acre project, undertook what became the single largest masonry job in its history, employing over 90 masons. This large-scale construction was part of the broader effort to provide freshmen with a unifying introduction to university life, integrating new facilities into the existing North Campus fabric.
In 2018, the North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) was announced, further adding to the residential capacity of the area. This expansion included six new buildings with approximately 2,000 beds and a new dining hall, solidifying North Campus as a central hub for freshman life.
Architectural Design and Layout
Mews Hall, with a gross area of 87,129 sq ft (8,094.5 m2) and a net area of 72,790 sq ft (6,762 m2), is named after the "mews" architectural style, which originated with British stables. This design influence is reflected in the building's structure and layout.
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The building is divided into two parallel wings, East and West, connected by a hallway and the Lund study lounge. A large courtyard sits between these wings, providing an outdoor space for residents. The Western wing houses two floors of students, along with the Residence Hall Director and the Faculty in Residence. The Eastern wing accommodates three floors of students. Each floor includes two study lounges, a shared TV lounge, and a kitchen, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
The exterior of Mews Hall features a blend of brick and Llenroc, a local rock that spells "Cornell" backwards. This rock is a signature element in many University construction projects, tying the building visually to the broader campus aesthetic. Architectural lines within Mews Hall are designed to echo those of Balch Hall, creating a sense of continuity and harmony within the North Campus landscape.
Residential Living and Amenities
Mews Hall houses over 260 first-year students in a combination of single and double rooms arranged along corridors. The building offers air-conditioned facilities, including TV/social lounges, a piano, laundry rooms, elevators, computer networking, and a bike storage room.
Each bedroom is equipped with essential furnishings for each occupant: an extra-long twin bed, a closet, a set of drawers (or wardrobe/drawers combination), a desk and desk chair, a desk lamp, and a wastebasket. Most rooms are carpeted, though Rooms 303-332 (Third floor, West Wing) have LVT flooring.
Room dimensions vary due to the building's layout. Each resident has their own closet, measuring approximately 38 inches wide, 25 inches deep, and 88 inches high. Closets include a shelf about 65 inches high, with a clothing hanging bar below. There is approximately 20.5 inches from the top of the shelf to the ceiling, though residents are advised to leave 18 inches of clearance for the pop-out sprinkler head.
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Many students choose to maximize space by storing their drawers under the bed, which requires the bed to be set to its highest setting. When lofted to its highest setting, there will be approximately 30.5 inches of clearance between the lip of the bed frame and the floor. Once past the lip, there is approximately 32 inches of clearance between the bottom of the bed frame and the floor.
Laundry facilities are located on the East and West sides of the first floor, featuring high-efficiency machines. An iron and ironing board are also available for public use.
Community and Programs
Residents of Mews Hall can participate in a variety of programs organized by the Resident Advisor staff. These programs aim to create a memorable first-year experience and foster a strong sense of community. Traditional programs include a trip to the United Nations, a male talent show, a first-year ice skating night, the Mews Fall and Spring BBQs, and weekly study breaks.
Mews Hall also houses Loving House, a program designed to create a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. Located on the first floor in the east side of Mews Hall, Loving House features pod-style hallways with three to five single and double rooms, as well as two all-gender bathrooms per pod. A recreational lounge is situated at the very end of the hall, with an additional TV lounge near the entrance. There is also a Loving House kitchen, located in the center wing of Mews Hall, separate from the main section of Loving House.
Faculty Involvement
Faculty involvement is a key component of the Mews Hall community. Claire Menard, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Romance Studies, serves as the Faculty-in-Residence for Mews Hall and Loving House. She lives in an apartment in the building with her partner and children, regularly interacting with student residents. Mews Hall also has a number of Faculty and Community Fellows who provide students with opportunities to explore their academic, intellectual, and cultural interests.
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Mews Hall in the Broader Context of North Campus
Mews Hall is strategically positioned near Appel Commons and Helen Newman Hall, enhancing its accessibility to essential amenities and resources. Appel Commons, completed in 2002, serves as a central community center on North Campus, offering a fitness area, an open lobby, and the North Star eatery. Helen Newman Hall provides additional recreational facilities for students.
The location of Mews Hall within North Campus places it within a rich tapestry of residential and academic buildings. Nearby residence halls include Court Hall, Kay Hall, Bauer Hall, Clara Dickson Hall, and Donlon Hall, each contributing to the diverse living environment of North Campus.
The Evolution of North Campus Housing
The development of North Campus as a primarily residential area has been a gradual process, evolving from the early days when the student body was housed in fraternities and boarding houses. The construction of Risley Hall in 1911 marked the beginning of dedicated dormitory facilities on North Campus. Over the years, additional residence halls were added, including Balch Hall, Clara Dickson Hall, and Mary Donlon Hall, each reflecting different architectural styles and community dynamics.
The High Rise and Low Rise complexes, constructed in the 1970s, represented a shift towards larger-scale residential living. These buildings, along with the subsequent addition of Mews Hall and Court Hall in the early 2000s, have shaped the current landscape of North Campus, providing a variety of housing options for Cornell students.
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