“‘Beloit College is a beautiful campus.’ That’s all I want to hear,” says Osterberger. “We’re creative and maximize every dollar to get to the place where we’re in the background. The biggest compliment Facilities receives is when our office in Smith Hall is quiet.” This summer the residential side of campus won’t be quiet, as the next renovations get underway.

Whitney Hall, pictured on the left, underwent major renovations in summer 2024.

“Students love the 1964 halls and that means they’re lived-in,” says Osterberger. “Fortunately, the 1964 brick buildings were well-constructed and are structurally sound, and now is the time to upgrade.”

His “now” means this summer because the work requires the dorms to be vacant, and prices continue to be impacted by inflation, tariffs, and other external factors. Whitney Hall renovations that cost $3.5 million in 2024 would cost $5.5-$6 million today.

Osterberger continues to be guided by recommendations made by student interns Shaira Mandahar ’26 and Steven Nunez ’25, who went through every single residence hall room on campus and evaluated the furniture condition, window treatments, lighting, wear-and-tear, and overall usability. “They did a terrific job, and it was helpful to hear the student perspective,” said Laura Grube, associate professor of economics and business.

Mandahar and Nunez analyzed their data using asset management software and matched it with anecdotal information they gathered from students about housing to decide which buildings to prioritize. A key takeaway was how seemingly minor things on paper really impacted how comfortable and functionable a space felt day-to-day.

“This work was important because it gave Facilities a clearer, more data-backed way to decide where upgrades would have the most impact,” said Mandahar. “Student involvement mattered because we looked at the spaces from a lived perspective. We understood what students who actually live there need in a practical sense, how the space functions for studying, relaxing, and daily routines, not just whether something meets a basic standard.”

The renovations this summer in Bushnell and the first floor of Blaisdell will include new flooring, paint, doors, restroom fixtures, and ceiling tiles. To-do items on Osterberger’s list are the same budget-friendly and aesthetically pleasing recommendations you might see in your favorite home renovation series such as luxury vinyl plank flooring (perfect for the dropped pizza slice), hard ceilings, and bathroom tiles with easy-to-clean hard acrylic paint. There are also plans to create an extended indoor-outdoor lounge space on the first floor of Blaisdell.

“Nate and his team make improvements every summer. Last year they put in new flooring and painted Wood Hall. Two years ago, facilities refreshed 815, and students loved what it looked like afterwards,” says Randi Mogul, director of Residential Life. “Of course everyone wants to live in Whitney Hall now because of the improvements. We’re happy this summer’s updates will be happening and we know students will be as well.”

At summer’s end, Osterberger looks forward to hearing only the sounds of students moving back to campus, and nothing else. “We didn’t get any comments on move-in day last year. It was quiet,” says Osterberger. “When move-in day is quiet, we know we did it.”