Entrance to Worcester via Rotmans

Entrance to Worcester via Rotmans

In a strategic move, Holy Cross College has recently purchased the 300,000 square foot Rotmans Furniture property located at 725 Southbridge Street, a significant development that lies directly beyond Interstate 290, which divides campus from the rest of Worcester.

This acquisition has sparked excitement among students, faculty, and alumni, with Patrick Clancy, a 1968 alum and founder of Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), expressing his belief that the property presents an opportunity for Holy Cross students to connect with the wider community. Clancy urges project managers to incorporate student voices in the construction process, emphasising the importance of a shared vision for the Rotmans property, considering it as "our shared home."

The College administration, led by President Vincent Rougeau, refers to the purchase as "a strategic investment in our future." The Rotmans property's potential uses have been the subject of much speculation, with suggestions ranging from off-campus dorms, a food spot, and a graduate school. However, an official decision on how to proceed with the property has yet to be made.

Historically, esteemed colleges and universities have undertaken massive construction projects that relied on student input. The Emory University Student Center, for instance, drastically improved the lives of students by providing a gathering place, better dining options, and incorporating furniture and amenities that had been directly voted on by students. Benjamin Perlman, project manager of the Emory University Student Center, was awarded the highest honour in the 2020 Building Team Awards.

The College's approach to the Rotmans property could follow this precedent, with student voices deemed crucial in guiding the construction of the property, regardless of its purpose. This approach would not only provide students with hands-on experience but also foster community engagement, aligning with the College's mission to develop well-rounded, socially responsible graduates.

Inspiring examples of student-driven construction projects can be found at the University of Idaho and Tulane University. At the University of Idaho, students collaborate with real clients on projects such as the Hat Ranch Winery and the Moose Creek Warming Hut, developing skills in budgeting, client interaction, and material assembly while making a positive community impact. Tulane University's URBANbuild program partners with local nonprofits to serve underserved communities with sustainable and affordable housing solutions, providing students with comprehensive experience in both design and construction phases alongside community engagement.

As the College deliberates on the Rotmans property's future, the spirit of collaboration and student involvement remains at the forefront. The College's Her Campus Holy Cross chapter recently hosted a successful Girls Night in the Hogan Ballroom, featuring tote bag painting, pilates class, massage chairs, live music, and pizza, demonstrating the College's commitment to fostering student-led initiatives.

The Rotmans property presents a unique opportunity for Holy Cross College to continue its tradition of student-driven projects, combining academic learning with practical application and social impact. As decisions unfold, the College community eagerly awaits the prospect of a shared home that reflects their values and fosters a closer connection with the wider Worcester community.

1. The acquisition of the Rotmans property by Holy Cross College has ignited excitement among students, faculty, and alumni, particularly Patrick Clancy, a 1968 alum and founder of Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), who sees this as an opportunity for students to connect with the wider community and emphasizes the importance of a shared vision.
2. The College administration, under President Vincent Rougeau, views the purchase as a strategic investment in the future and is yet to decide how to utilize the Rotmans property, with suggestions including off-campus dorms, a food spot, and a graduate school.
3. In the past, esteemed colleges and universities have successfully incorporated student input in massive construction projects, such as the Emory University Student Center, which significantly improved student life with a gathering space, improved dining, and student-voted amenities.
4. The College's approach to the Rotmans property could follow this precedent, giving student voices a crucial role in guiding the construction, providing hands-on experience, and fostering community engagement, which aligns with the College's mission to develop well-rounded, socially responsible graduates.
5. Inspiring examples of student-driven construction projects can be found at the University of Idaho and Tulane University, where students collaborate with real clients, develop skills, and make a positive community impact through projects like the Hat Ranch Winery and the URBANbuild program.
6. As Holy Cross College deliberates on the Rotmans property's future, the spirit of collaboration and student involvement remains paramount, as demonstrated by the College's Her Campus Holy Cross chapter, which recently hosted a successful student-led event, the Girls Night in the Hogan Ballroom.

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