Applause filled the air as Carleton University President Wisdom Tettey cut a gold ribbon, officially opening Rideau House, a building that more than 400 students are calling home in the residence’s inaugural year.
“I lived in residence throughout my school life, so being in this space feels like I’m back in my zone,” Tettey said.
“This is a community where students can thrive.”
Rideau House opened its doors to students at the end of August through a staggered move-in.
Located at the North end of campus, the ten-story building houses students in all years of study. Every floor has a study and TV lounge with a mix of double and single traditional-style rooms, each furnished with extra long beds. The building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, wide hallways and automatic door openers.
“It’s always the case that the real move-in is different from the ceremonial opening,” Tettey said when asked why the grand opening fell in mid-October.
“It allows us to make sure that all the right pieces are in place and we got everything right.”
Rideau House’s first floor includes a half-court gym, paying homage to Carleton’s basketball success.
Beyond the hardwood is a fitness centre, a multi-faith prayer space and a community kitchen open to all students in residence.
“I spent most of my last year looking out my window in Glengarry, watching the crew hard at work,” Carolyne Bergeron*, a Rideau House residence fellow, told the crowd.
“When I found out I had been placed in Rideau House, it felt like a bit of manifestation.”
While Rideau House’s amenities attracted a lot of attention, Tettey said construction crews worked around the clock leading up to the school year to ensure the building could welcome residents safely.
“We’ve only had a few issues, like the AC being loud and a few light problems, but it’s been good,” said Juliette Hardy, a Rideau House resident.
Hardy said she can hear people in the hallway and sometimes in the room next door but noise has not been a major concern for her.
“Being able to turn off my lights from bed: something I didn’t know I needed until now,” Bergeron joked.
“The convenient USB and USB-C outlets and water stations on every floor — every feature shows how much care went into the designing of this space.”
The building has a shifty design, with sunlight beaming through its large windows.
“As an architect, we love the location of this building,” said David Dow, an architect who worked on the project.
“You come in from the main entrance to campus and you’ve got to look at our building which is special.”
Rideau House’s top floor includes a campus view overlooking TAAG Park, and the surrounding area. Its large windows are built with small dots to prevent bird-window collisions.
“Everyone talks about the spectacular view,” Tettey said. “I’m envious of those who live on top and have a panoramic view of our community.”
*Carolyne Bergeron has previously contributed to the Charlatan.
Featured image by Simon McKeown/the Charlatan
