This week at North Carolina Central University, Latham Hall was razed to the ground. It could not be restored. An underground spring corrupted the foundation and it was deemed by the State to be structurally unsound and unsafe. The residence hall, located on the corner of Lawson and Lincoln streets was named for the highly regarded Louise M. Latham, former dean of women (1948-1968). However, despite the historical significance of a building that was home to students for nearly 50 years, there was no possibility of reprieve.

With modern engineering practices, the site can and will be utilized for new construction and it has been designated for a mixed-use structure housing retail, office space, and a parking deck scheduled for completion in 2010. The Latham Parking Deck will cost $15 million and provide parking for 750.  At ground level, the deck will also accommodate a coffee shop, bookstore, and police station.

“The Latham Parking Deck makes clever use of the change in topography to fit the building into the hill,” said Zack Abegunrin, associate vice chancellor for facilities management.  “At the high point on Lawson Street, it appears like a one-story building.”

In the coming weeks, the university will begin demolition of Chidley Annex Residence Hall to make way for Chidley North Residence Hall. The planned 125,000 square foot, four-story residence hall will consist of suite-style student living, common support spaces, staff apartments, a multi-purpose classroom, a computer lab and offices. The new hall will be a state-of-the-art living and learning facility.

“Chidley North will complement the neo-Georgian façade of Chidley Main, which some day, we’ll restore to its past glory,” said Abegunrin.

The $30 million Chidley North Residence Hall will accommodate 520 rooms and it cannot come on stream fast enough. NCCU opened its doors to the largest freshman class in its history, 1,347 students.