News

Salem State names two newest residence halls

Salem State announced names today for both of its Central Campus residence halls. The first, which opened in 2004, houses 455 students, most of whom are juniors, and is now called Atlantic Hall.

The second residence and dining facility, which will house over 500 students (primarily sophomores) as well as faculty and graduate assistant studio apartments when it is completed late next summer, will be known as Marsh Hall because of its nearness to a tidal area that is home to herons and other waterfowl, honey bees, and assorted marsh plants.

The names of both residence facilities reflect the college's close proximity--and centuries-long ties--to Salem's historic seaside and maritime tradition, as well as its stewardship of the environment through green initiatives across campus.

Both residence halls are 'green,' in keeping with the college's commitment to reduce its negative environmental impact while enhancing its positive impact by instilling sustainable ideals in its students, staff, and faculty.

When completed next summer, Marsh Hall is designed to achieve status as a 'green' building with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Efficiency Design) certification of silver or higher, while solar panels installed on the roof of Atlantic Hall in August have begun producing what will amount to 80,000 to 85,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. The collegehas also cleared the Central Campus tidal marsh channels, boosting salinity and water flow.