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Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Schurz Hall residents expect new kitchen soon
By Katie Allen, Corner Post staff

Residents of Schurz Hall on the University of Missouri - Columbia campus may currently see changes on the first floor, as a former computer lab behind the front desk is being renovated into a public kitchen for resident use.

The addition of a kitchen in the hall has been a desired project for many years, according to Justin Shepherd, Schurz Hall coordinator. After MU Information and Access Technology Services (IATS) decided to move the computer lab from the Hatch and Schurz Halls into Bingham last year, plans for placing a kitchen in the former computer lab were established.

The kitchen renovations in Schurz began in February with asbestos removal from the site. The entire renovation is expected to reach completion by the end of this semester, and the kitchen should be available for student use several weeks prior to the end of the semester. Students living in Schurz next fall may use the kitchen throughout the academic year. To use the kitchen, students will check out a key at the Schurz front desk.

Included in the kitchen will be a range/oven, refrigerator and sink. Shepherd says that the Bingham Area Council will likely purchase pots, pans and other cooking utensils that students will be able to use in the new kitchen.

Shepherd also said that in addition to the new kitchen, a portion of the former computer lab space will be converted into a custodial closet and additional storage for the hall’s front desk.

While the renovation continues, Shepherd says that the renovation site is located far enough from living spaces to prevent noise disturbance to residents.
“ So far, there has been minimal noise associated with the project,” Shepherd said. “Only students passing by or working the front desk have been able to hear it (renovation noise).”

Mindy Melton, a Schurz Hall resident and junior animal science major at MU, said that the renovations haven’t bothered her. Melton said that the new kitchen is a good idea, but she is anxious to see other changes around the building as well.
Melton would like to see air conditioning implemented in all the rooms, newer bathrooms and more reliable elevators. Above all, Melton would like to see the resident rooms made larger.

Despite this, changes are gradually occurring throughout Schurz. Shepherd says his office will be moving into a space across the hall from the new kitchen.
“ This (office) space is not being renovated,” Shepherd said. “It is just another room that has not been used this year, and it is now being converted into an office.”

The Facility Operations division of MU Residential Life is performing the renovations in Schurz.

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