What is going on with Southwest Hall?
Photo taken by Megan Silva
Have you been wondering what’s up with the fences around Southwest Hall? Well, here is your answer!
If you have walked around campus lately you may have seen the old building surrounded by green fences or maybe you were driving to class and realized that most of the parking spots near Southwest were blocked off. However you stumbled upon it, most students on campus have realized that Southwest Hall is going under construction. Here is some information about the plans for the Hall and when you can expect to see the new Southwest!
In October 2024, Pacific announced new plans for Southwest. The dorm was originally built over a hundred years ago in 1924, but has been empty since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Southwest Hall has a long history with Pacific, being one of the first ten buildings on campus after the University’s move to Stockton, and its time here has been well spent. Many students on campus can recall hearing stories about ghosts in Southwest; the atmosphere of the abandoned dormitory adding to its eerie reputation in recent years (Check out the article on Southwest’s ghost stories by our website and communications director; Megan Silva!). Although the original building will be gone– and maybe the ghost stories with it– the University says it will plan to recreate the original facade whilst adding an updated interior.
The 100-year-old building is going to be demolished and built anew. The old age and unstable architecture of the hall were key factors in the decision to completely redo the building as opposed to just renovating the interior.
“It could not be renovated smartly, safely and efficiently.” -Pacific Newsroom
According to Dodge Construction Network, the project value is $5,000,000 - $9,999,999 and the university hopes to open it to students in the Fall of 2026. The new Southwest will house more students than it used to, going from 298 to nearly 400, and will include 12 study rooms alongside other amenities for students. The updated dormitory is also hoping for an energy efficient certification. “In addition to energy efficient lighting, compost bins and other elements, there will be an interior storage room for students’ bicycles,” the University stated.
Make sure to say goodbye to Southwest as you walk past on your way to class as the historic building may not be standing for much longer. The expansion of Southwest will only strengthen the University’s four-year housing guarantee. Hopefully the added rooms will guarantee housing for students who are unable to live off-campus, like those who are from out-of-state. This is vital as universities across California are struggling with housing crises. So, while it is sad to see Southwest go, we can remain hopeful for the future of the dormitory!
Sources:
https://www.pacific.edu/pacific-newsroom/new-southwest-hall-will-reflect-best-past-and-future
https://www.construction.com/projects/dr-202400351305-uop-southwest-hall-student-housing
https://www.thepacifican.com/lifestyles-wellness/spooky-southwest