By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

RDC shows off suite from new student residence

May 10, 2018 | 10:45 AM

The new student residence at Red Deer College is described as striking a balance between desired privacy and social interaction.

The $18 million, 5-storey facility is set to open in time for the 2019 Canada Winter Games next February and will be home to a portion of the 3600 athletes coming to Red Deer for the event.

On Wednesday, Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt and RDC President and CEO Joel Ward toured a life-sized mock-up of one of the bachelor suites.

Trent Rix, RDC’s Director of Ancillary and Sport Services said the 145 units were designed with student input.

“Everything is integrated into the unit, not unlike micro-houses. Students won’t have to show up with much else other than the things that mean the most to them, their luggage, their clothes, and there’s lots of storage,” Rix said. “In terms of furniture, it’s a really simple move-in. They have a full kitchen, a full bathroom in their private suite.”

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On the building’s main floor, there is a communal kitchen one of six social spaces. Rix says one of those is a gathering stair which can be converted into a movie theatre, adding there is plenty of natural light and quiet space for students to sit and enjoy.

The fifth floor is currently being framed and should be weather-tight by mid-summer. Solar panels will then be installed on the south, west and east sides of the building.

Of the 145, 122 units are smaller and come with a Murphy bed so capacity can be almost doubled. The remainder is made up of either corner or accessible suites.

Rix said the building is also designed for a +15 catwalk to another new residence in the future.