Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Cougar Village

As part of an upgrade to student residence facilities, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) required the renovation and modernization of 496 on-campus student apartment units. Originally constructed in 1969 and 1974, the buildings of Cougar Village had experienced deterioration and obsolescence, typical of wood framed student housing of this vintage.  The renovation occurred in three phases, and included structural, electrical, and fire protection upgrades, as well as a complete telecommunications modernization.  Renovation work on all 496 units, spread amongst 62 separate eight-unit buildings was completed in 16 months.  While under construction, Cougar Village remained 90% occupied during the academic year.  Each building was vacated and renovated in four weeks or less, then immediately re-occupied.  Logistical coordination for the project included the packing and moving of students, and the removal and reinstallation of furniture and appliances.