Photo by Photo by Rebecca Rebholz / [email protected]

The 66-year-old residence hall will not only remain open for at least one more school year but also become co-ed.

Marquette announced in a news brief May 23 that O’Donnell Hall will remain open to accommodate the incoming freshman class. It was also serve as a co-ed residence hall.

The university tuition deposit goal of 1,935 students was surpassed by receiving over 2,010 deposits, prompting the decision to keep the residence hall open.

While the enrollment rate will continue to fluctuate until school begins in the fall, Marquette wanted to ensure there was enough capacity on campus to handle the demand.

The university originally reported Feb. 5 that O’Donnell would close and receive evaluation as to how it fits in on campus as part of the master planning process. The director of Housing and Residence Life, Mary Janz, claimed there was enough space in other residence halls across campus to house next year’s students.

Marquette reports the building has already gone under evaluation. It will receive a series of upgrades throughout the summer with wireless technology and continuing to refurbish the lobby which began began last summer.

University leaders will continue their evaluation of the residence hall through next summer as part of the comprehensive planning process.