Phil Brahm | Lindenlink Managing Editor
November 12, 2015; 12:15 p.m.

Sibley Hall will become the final building at Lindenwood to be retrofitted with air conditioning, as preparations for the project are underway.

As part of the project’s initial phase, a concrete foundation to house the air conditioning units has been poured behind the dorm, and mounting brackets for the units are being installed as well.

While a finalized plan has yet to be chosen, the project is expected to be completed by the beginning of the Fall 2016 semester, according to university officials.

Despite the historic nature of building, Vice President of Operations and Finance, Julie Mueller said the installation process will be similar to what other dorms on campus experienced when they had air conditioning systems installed.

“Basically it will be like all the dorms we’ve done over the last four years,” Mueller said “They all have outdoor units, and there’s going to be several of them.

“All we are doing right now is preparing, because we still have a couple approval processes to go through.”

According to Mueller, all the contracts for the project will be finalized after the university’s November board meeting.

While Sibley’s Resident Director, Katherine Davis is glad the university is following through with installation, she also will miss the heat for sentimental reasons.

“Withstanding the heat is almost a traditional right of passage that allows you to really feel like a part of LU history by experiencing what all of the alumnae did before our time,” Davis said. “I am a little sad to have the tradition finally fade, but I know the AC will provide comfort for the residents and help immensely with the preservation of the building.”

Davis has received a few noise complaints from residents thus far, but stressed that workers have made a point to be courteous and respectful to those living in the dorm.

Commending the worker’s efforts to communicate and cooperate with residents, senior Olivia Kegler believes the majority of people living with her in Sibley feel the inconvenience is worth the end result.

“We are much happier working together for a few months rather than complaining and missing out on finally getting some air conditioning.” Kegler said.