A revamped Roberts Hall opened its doors once again to new residents this August after being closed during the 2024-2025 school year for extensive renovations.
In August 2024, Mercer's Housing and Residence Life decided to close down the freshmen residence hall because the incoming freshmen class was smaller than in previous years. Residents were consolidated into other halls on campus to focus on giving Roberts the updates it needed. After taking the fall semester to plan and contract the work, renovations began in January 2025. The sole plan was to remake the building into a fresh, new, and modernized space, which students could call home, said Trint Benefield, assistant director of facilities for Housing and Residence Life.
Benefield said there was no immediate need for renovations. Rather, the team wanted to take the opportunity to prevent future issues from arising while updating the overall aesthetics of the building, which was built in 1939.
“Within Housing and Residence Life, we make it our job to provide a safe and accommodating community for all residents,” Benefield said.
Enhancing Roberts' longevity, practicality and livability were the major goals of the project. Renovations included up-to-date HVAC units, new flooring and new furniture, among other changes. Jaci Wooten ‘29 and Grace Artz ‘29, two current Roberts Hall residents, are most excited about the ample amounts of storage in the new furniture and the convenient charging ports built into the shelves of the beds. Additionally, with the new Bear Card access locks, residents of Roberts Hall will no longer have to worry about losing their room keys.
Reaction to the renovations has been positive, including from Emma Liz Soltay ‘27. The former Roberts Hall resident said she is grateful the building was renovated because of concerns she had when living there, which she said included rotting window sills and loose stair rails. Temporary solutions were implemented, but Soltay said she is glad these issues have now been resolved permanently.
“It looks awesome, and I am really excited for everyone who gets to experience it now,” she added.
Dedicated to Board of Trustees member and donor Columbus Roberts, Roberts has served various purposes over the years, from office spaces to financial aid, and even a campus bank, according to Mercer’s Facebook account.
What is up next on Housing’s renovation agenda remains unclear, but Benefield encourages Mercer residents to continue providing feedback in order for his team to best meet the needs of the Mercer community.
Clara Kurczak '29 is majoring in journalism at Mercer University. She loves capturing moments and bringing stories to life with her camera and pen. When she is not working on articles, Clara enjoys listening to music, spending time with the people she cares about and reading anything she can get her hands on.
