"It's a great building, always been a great building, and this project knocked it out of the park," said Dianne Manning, the director of residence life at MCLA and the former resident director — when she started working for the college in the 1980s — of Hoosac Hall.

 

The project was completed in two phases mostly during the previous two summers.

The first summer, the primary renovations were done to the bathrooms.

This past summer, the lobby was transformed into a residence floor. A new lobby was then built on the floor below, which was once home to the Hoosac Harbor, an open room set for games and activities. Now, the new lobby lies there, in addition to a massive study lounge, a kitchen, meeting rooms and a big-screen TV.

On the outside, the entrance was moved to the north side of the building.

 

President Mary Grant said these renovations created more space for a "living, learning community."

 

In addition to the more noticeable renovations, the mechanical systems were also upgraded for more efficient heating.

 

"For those of you here who made this happen, hats off to you," Grant said.

 

Edward Adelman, executive director of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, said he looks forward to continue working with MCLA. The MSCBA is a non-profit that works with the nine state colleges, primarily on residence halls.

Recently, the authority renovated Berkshire Towers with a $4 million project, which won awards from the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Architectural Access Board and the Boston Society of Architects. 

 

"We're thrilled for the continued relationship with MCLA," Adelman said.

 

Also on hand were Mayor Richard Alcombright and state Sen. Benjamin Downing, both of whom were excited for the school's progress.

 

"I think we have only scratched the surface for potential of this building and this campus," Downing said.

 

Afterwards, Grant, Adelman and sophomore Resident Advisor Mike Lamoureaux used giant, golden scissors to cut the ribbon.