All wings of Moore Hall are now open after major renovations recently came to a close. The project began in the fall semester of 2024 with a $3.7 million budget that was later increased to $5.715 million. 

The biggest change the renovations brought was replacing the old bathrooms with new, pod-style bathrooms featuring a private space for toilets and showers. Moore is the fourth residence hall to gain this amenity after Wefald Hall’s construction in 2016 and similar renovations to West and Boyd halls more recently.

Nick Lander, director of housing and residence life for K-State Housing and Dining Services, said the project’s primary focus was to enhance each student’s day-to-day routine, whether it be through larger, more noticeable improvements or small quality-of-life changes.

“We wanted to update the space to modernize the student experience,” Lander said. “There’s a lot of things that students may not think about that improve their experience. Little things like the new flooring and better lighting help the students have a brighter, more positive experience.”

Housing and Dining Services’ efforts to revitalize the residence halls have not gone unnoticed among residents. Bella Trifilio, sophomore in criminology and a resident assistant at Moore Hall, said she appreciates the renovations.

“The restrooms are much safer and more private, and overall the floors have been changed to offer a more welcoming experience,” Trifilio said. “I love the new style of Moore Hall. It’s a positive trend these renovations have set.”

Bailey Woody, graduate student in architecture and assistant community coordinator of Moore Hall, said the remodeling offered a pleasant modernization to the residence hall, particularly its bathrooms.

“Having that [the pod-style bathrooms] incorporated throughout the older dorms gives more of a modern feeling,” Woody said. “It’s also beneficial in giving comfort to freshmen and incoming students to see that private options are available in comparison to the traditional restrooms.”

As for other renovations on campus, the last Strong Community project is in Putnam Hall, which is expected to remain closed for the duration of this academic year, according to the Housing and Dining Services website. Lander also said there are plans for future renovations in other residence halls.

“We’re at a point now where we’ve renovated quite a few buildings,” Lander said. “Haymaker A wing will be one that we’re looking at in the near future for similar renovations.”