A sense of satisfaction was palpable, and the smiles nearly said it all. For good measure, Rick Dunn, vice president of operations for the Williams Company, the project’s general contractor, came up with words: “This is what it’s all about. This is why we love Stetson as a client. … This is important; it’s important to us; it’s important to the university, and we’re extremely proud and honored to be the partner that brings this vision to life. It’s going to change student life here on campus. … We’re on schedule. And it’s going to look beautiful, clean and sparkly!

Dunn was talking about Lynn Hall on Monday, Dec. 15, during a preview for staff and faculty of the new four-story residence building. The 305-bed facility will open to students as the spring semester begins. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled on Jan. 15.

Lynn Hall features a vibrant mix of traditional double-occupancy rooms and individual rooms with both suite-style and fully enclosed private community “pod”-style bathrooms. The rooms are complemented by dynamic communal areas, including a great room, courtyard, amphitheater, study lounges on each wing, and other inviting gathering spaces designed to foster academic success and meaningful connections among Hatters.

The building’s modern design and prime location near Templeton Fountain and the Carlton Union Building promise to make it a pivotal hub for community-building on campus. 

“It’s a tremendous upgrade, and our students will get to experience pristine living conditions and a huge sense of community — not just in the residential part of the building, but in the public part of the building, where all students are going to feel welcome,” commented Scott Thacker, Stetson’s associate vice president of Facilities Management.

Construction began roughly 18 months ago, with the Williams Company leading a crew of up to about 250 workers. “We’re going through final cleaning,” Dunn noted. “They are 100 percent done. … The lobby is purposely the last area that we finish because we work our way from the top of the fourth floor down with each trade, finishing out, cleaning and locking the doors as we complete each floor.”

“I feel it’s an awesome job,” added Dave Hotvedt, Williams Company senior project manager. “It’s a beautiful project. … It’s all come together.”

Jessica Day, Stetson’s executive director of Residential Living and Learning, could hardly wait for the official unveiling to students.

“I would love for students to come in and say, ‘This is vibrancy!’ I want them to be awed by such a beautiful experience and building,” Day said. “There is nothing like this anywhere else on campus — right at the heart and center of campus. … I want this to be a heartbeat.”

-Michael Candelaria