Happy houses

Photo by Christopher Gannon.

Contract crews remove and replace 60-year-old windows from Helser Hall as part of a $6.5 million, 12-week summer blitz to renovate the student residence by early August. The project includes $3.4 million for new windows and blinds and nearly $3.2 million to replace the lighting, flooring, electrical service and furniture in all 353 student rooms and a dozen dens. Both components are about 60% complete, reports Julie Hartl Barr, the residence department's manager of building improvements. Crews installed furniture on the fourth floor last week and are installing on the third floor this week.