Renovations must wait
By Lara Hendrickson
Staff Reporter

Renovations of Milton Daniel Hall were originally scheduled to be completed by now, but plans were delayed so other buildings’ renovations could be completed and because of other financial difficulties, Residential Services Director Roger Fisher said Wednesday.

“At the time of our plans to renovate Milton Daniel, we were trying to finish the (University) Recreation Center, Tucker Technology Center, Smith Entrepreneur Center and the baseball stadium,” Fisher said. “The university just did not have the money to continue with residence halls.”

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Don Mills said the renovation of the all-men’s residence hall will not begin for at least two years because no funds are available for it.

Mills said it is crucial for the stock market to improve before renovations begin. He said the way funding for renovation works is that the university buys bonds and then benefactors buy them from the university to pay for the residence halls. The university pays back bonds through residence hall revenue, he said.

“Right now, we can’t spend the $10 or $11 million dollars it would cost to renovate Milton Daniel,” Mills said. “While I don’t have a crystal ball, I would think we are talking two to three years minimum before we could attempt it.”

Resident assistant at Milton Daniel Ryan Flanagan said Milton Daniel really stands out, especially next to the University Recreation Center.

Matt Bragiel, a former resident of Milton Daniel, said the residence hall was in dire need of renovation two years ago.

“It seems like almost every other (residence hall) has been renovated,” Bragiel said. “It’s pretty old and rough around the edges.”

Fisher agreed Milton Daniel is in desperate need of renovation, but said that it is livable for the moment.

“Pipes aren’t falling apart, but it is due to have a new heating system, electric system and the bathrooms replaced,” Fisher said.

Fisher said he would like to see the two fraternities attached to Milton Daniel have separate, personal doors, and would like to see the residence hall become co-ed.

“Look at Brachman and Moncrief,” Fisher said. “Making the (residence halls) co-ed would be a great way to get away from stereotypes of Milton Daniel. This is the time to do that.”

Fisher also said he would like to see the residence hall entirely redone, like the previous renovation of Waits Hall.

“Renovation means a lot of different things to different people,” Fisher said. “Waits became a brand new building. However, renovation could also mean repainted, redecorated, new roofs, new fire alarms, etc.”

Fisher said there are four other residence halls that could use renovations after Milton Daniel, including Sherley Hall, Colby Hall, Clark Residence Hall and Jarvis Hall.

Fisher said while he would like the renovations as soon as possible, he realizes TCU is very fortunate.

“We have already spent a lot,” Fisher said. “Other campuses are extremely envious of us. We are just selfish and want more.”

Fisher said he is ready to bring back the architects as soon as he learns funding is available, and Mills said he hopes renovation plans will resume as quickly as possible.

“When we’re ready to go, it’s going to be great,” Mills said.

Lara Hendrickson