COLUMBIA (WACH) -- After nearly two years of work, University of South Carolina's Patterson Hall is officially re-opened.
The all-girls residence hall has been a primary living area for female students since the 1960's.
Now, USC believes Patterson is ready to meet the needs of both its residents and the environment.
The building maximizes the use of natural light, has low-flow faucets and shower heads and laundry rooms with high efficiency washers and dryers.
University officials say their ultimate hope is for something even more sustainable.
"One of the things our architects built in here was more community space," explains Kristen Kennedy, the school's housing director.
Patterson Hall is striving for LEED certification, given to projects showing leadership in energy and environmental design.
More about the newly revamped dorm:
- 186,000 square feet
- 544 bed spaces
- 280 suite-style rooms
- $31.8 million construction cost
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