As students return to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for the fall 2024 semester, they have been greeted with a major change in their living arrangements: the reopening of Berkshire Towers (BT). After being closed for several semesters due to renovations, BT is back, offering a modern and upgraded living experience designed for comfort, convenience, and community living.
Earlier this year, during the spring semester of 2024, MCLA’s Residence Life and Housing (RHA) administration announced that Hoosac Hall, traditionally a residence area for freshmen, would be offline for the entire 2024-2025 academic year due to its necessity to undergo critical repairs, including a roof replacement. To accommodate the need for housing that has cropped up in the wake of Hoosac Hall’s closure, Berkshire Towers has reopened, providing a fresh, updated living environment and increased capacity.
Berkshire Towers, a twin-towered, suite-style residence hall, is now fully operational, and seemingly just in time. Each floor includes three suites, with each of those suites offering three to five bedrooms, along with a bathroom and a lounge area. Most rooms are doubles, but a limited number of single and premium single rooms have been made available for students who prefer more privacy. The residence is smoke-free, alcohol-prohibited, and fully ADA-accessible, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
The reopening of BT increases on-campus housing capacity significantly. Berkshire Towers can now house 320 students, compared to Hoosac Hall’s 256. This additional space helps accommodate a growing student population and provides a more comfortable living arrangement, with fewer people per floor. The smaller groupings in each suite foster a quieter, more private atmosphere, while still allowing students to build closer connections with their suite-mates.
A key feature that sets Berkshire Towers apart from traditional dorms lays within its suite-style layout. Unlike the long hallways found in most residence halls, BT’s design encourages a more intimate community feel. With shared lounges and bathrooms for each suite, students are likely to form stronger bonds with their suite-mates, while still having their own private or semi-private space.
MCLA has also made practical improvements that address past concerns. For instance, the bathrooms in each suite are now shared by just 5-8 students, reducing crowding and ensuring better access to facilities, which is a feature that Hoosac Hall lacked; having many more students sharing a living space.
The addition of new washers and dryers is another welcome upgrade, solving long-standing issues with faulty laundry machines. These enhancements aim to improve the overall student living experience by making daily tasks more convenient and stress-free.
For students who prioritize solitude, BT offers a greater number of single rooms, including two premium singles per floor. These premium singles provide a high level of privacy, making them a sought-after choice among residents. The additional single rooms reflect MCLA’s understanding of the diverse preferences of its student body, catering to those who prefer a more independent living situation, while still enjoying the benefits of on-campus housing.
The reopening of BT benefits both first-year and returning students, giving MCLA more flexibility in assigning housing. First-year students are welcomed into a comfortable, community-oriented space from the start of their college experience, while returning students can enjoy the upgraded facilities and improved living conditions. The new design ensures that all students, regardless of their year, have access to modern amenities and the opportunity to live in a residence hall that promotes both academic success and personal growth.
Beyond the physical upgrades, the reopening of Berkshire Towers reflects MCLA’s broader commitment to enhancing the student experience. The renovations and improvements are a clear investment in creating a living environment that is not only functional, but also supportive and comfortable. The suite-style layout encourages connections and community, while still respecting students’ need for privacy and quiet.
As students settle into their rooms, they’re not just moving into a newly-renovated building—they’re entering a space designed with their needs in mind. For many, Berkshire Towers will become more than just a place to sleep; it will serve as a hub for friendships, learning, and personal growth.
With the reopening of BT, MCLA has addressed the immediate need for housing and laid the foundation for a more connected, vibrant campus community for the 2024-2025 academic year, and beyond.