NWC News Desk

Simpson Hall addition progressing well on Northwest College campus

Posted September 9, 2008
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P O W E L L,  W y o. - An addition which will yield 76 more beds in Northwest College's newest residence hall, Simpson Hall, is proceeding on schedule, according to college officials.

Simpson Hall construction 1

Construction began earlier this summer on the $5.3 million facility and is on target for occupancy in August 2009 for the start of fall semester.

Simpson Hall construction 2 

 "It's important to note that no state or taxpayer funds are involved in this project," NWC President Paul Prestwich said. "The addition is solely funded by lease revenue bonds, which means that the college pledges revenue from auxiliary areas of the college-residence halls, dining hall, bookstore, etc.-and other unrestricted sources of revenue to make annual payments over a period of several years."

Even though no state funding was sought for the project, legislative approval was still required; that action came at the 2008 Wyoming Legislature.

Named after Al and Ann Simpson of Cody, Simpson Hall debuted suite-style living on campus when it opened in August 2006. The addition adjoins the hall in a v-shaped wing extending to the northwest.

"The suite-style living arrangement is immensely popular with our students," Prestwich added, "so we're delighted to be adding more suites to the hall."

The 16 four-bedroom and four three-bedroom suites will bring NWC's student housing to just over the spring 2004 capacity when fire destroyed Bridger Hall. The addition will also have an apartment for the resident director.

 Construction is currently on schedule and within the established budget, according to Vice President for Administrative Services Kim Mills.