University of Virginia Library

Residential College Atmosphere

"A residential college
atmosphere might provide all
kinds of possibilities, where we
could create a board-dormitory
plan, or we might possibly
create a straight-out
construction fee in the tuition
like other institutions." Other
alternatives include making one
half of the dining room into a
pay cafeteria, private
endowment or alumni funds.

When Contract moves from
Newcomb Hall, the Union will
lose about $40,000 that Food
Services pays annually in rent
at six per cent of the gross sales
for Contracts space in the
building. Hopefully, the loss

will be made up immediately
by renting the space.

Sources indicate that space
may be filled by the expanding
Bookstore which would
presumably move into the
Grill, and the Grill would move
into Contract's present
location. No decision has been
made, however, about the
vacancy. Food Services does
plan to leave the "service area"
and equipment in Newcomb
Hall pending a need to reopen
the cafeteria.

Mr. Williams said that the
decision would probably not
be made until plans of Peabody
Hall were complete and the
Rathskeller had been given a
chance to "prove itself."

Even though bids have been
returned, many students have
expressed some doubt about
the need for the new facility.
Will it be used, do people want
to walk back to the dormitory
area for lunch?

"It is a facility that will
meet a definite need of
convenience in the dorm area,"
Mr. Williams said, "The prime
reason for the facility is that an
overwhelming percentage of
people eating on contract live
in the dormitories.

Despite the many problems
now which merit some
consideration, the project will
hopefully create a sorely
needed space where dormitory
residents might convene.
Unfortunately with the
ever-expanding University, the
demand may exceed the supply
before the facility is completed
next spring.