While students prepare for the winter break that will see many of them leave campus for home, construction workers will continue to work throughout the break as they try to complete the new residence hall complex being built east of McCormick Hall.

According to Robert Harrington, director of the physical plant, the first building could be turned over to the University in a nearly finished state by the end of December, which coincides with what Harrington had originally planned.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress we are making with the new residence halls,” said Harrington. “The decision to panelize the walls so they come to the site already assembled and then just have to be put into place and secured has greatly expedited the framing portion of the project.”

All of the buildings are set to be finished on schedule.

“We are still looking at June as the time when the University will have all of the buildings turned over to us,” said Harrington.

If the project continues its current rate of progression, students will be able to move into the new halls in time for the Fall 2015 semester.

Each of the individual suites will feature four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living area and a kitchen all of which will be furnished. In all, 201 students can be housed in the new complex, which sports a modernized design.

“I think the design of the new apartments, especially with each bedroom having its own bathroom, will be a real boost to the desirability of the new apartments,” said Harrington.

The new halls will also feature a courtyard Harrington believes will be a popular addition.

“Although there are six separate buildings, they are all grouped around a central courtyard, which will add a great deal of interaction with all of the student residents,” he said. “I believe the courtyard will become a central gathering place for the residents.”