The Reopening of Annapolis Hall

The newest Frostburg State University Administrator, Kim Hines, will take over the Office of Residence Life in March 2019. An office that has experienced significant turnover and turmoil related to aging infrastructure, Ms. Hines’ previous experience in student leadership, residence hall construction, and Greek Life will be put to the test. Hines’ last post was at Lyon College in Arkansas. The most recent housing event on Frostburg’s campus was the reopening of the renovated Annapolis Hall in January 2019.

Annapolis Hall, built in 1967, had never been renovated prior to the two year closing beginning in 2017. Carl Crowe, the Director of the Student Conduct Office, and Frostburg Alum, lived in the hall during his time on campus in the early 90s. Under Crowe’s interim leadership, Annapolis Hall reopened to students prior to the Spring 2019 semester beginning. The transition he says, “did not meet expectations and was quite heartbreaking.” This is due, in large part, to the closing of Cambridge Hall in Fall 2018 because of mold. This meant many students who were moving to Annapolis Hall had already moved once this year. While Crowe understands this was a “huge inconvenience” for students, the second transition was necessary due to State of Maryland funding allocation and time frame requirements. Crowe gives credit to the many athletic teams and volunteers who assisted moving students in mid-January for alleviating some of the grunt work associated with the transition.

Annapolis Hall’s renovations are quite “dramatic,” says Crowe. From new furniture, carpeting, and walls, the Hall is unrecognizable. At 90% capacity, Annapolis features single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. Annapolis also features a full kitchen in the common area that will allow students to prepare full, home cooked meals in the hall. Additionally, to address the national conversation about sexual assault on campus, Annapolis is fitted with emergency spaces that feature completely private shower and bathroom facilities.

Of course, the conversation about Annapolis is, in many ways, one about Cambridge Hall and the status of that residence. Crowe reports that the administration is somewhat, “still in the dark” about the future of the building because of the “numerous moving parts.” A proposed $15 million dollar renovation would be needed to keep the hall in working condition. For now, the Office of Residence Life is looking forward to the reopening of Cumberland Hall in Fall 2019 which will feature upgrades similar to Annapolis Hall, the addressing of an elevator issue in Frederick Hall over the summer, and the opening of a new 400 bed hall in Fall 2020.