Construction on the new “Mercer Landing II” lofts is nearing completion. The new lofts will be open and available to students in August 2019.

In comparison to Phase V, the existing Lofts at Mercer Landing,  the new building will be “similar yet with its own flair,” said Jonathan Leake, Director of Student Living for Sierra Development.

The new lofts will feature more study rooms and larger courtyards as well as enclosed breezeways. Each loft will have a patio or balcony, and there will not be a rooftop terrace.

“Our lobby will host a fireplace and (is) expected to serve up a rock-climbing wall and virtual golf studio,” Leake said.

In addition to the new building, changes are coming to the Phase V lofts. Students will be allowed to bring their animals next year.

“All Lofts Student Living communities are service and support animal-friendly; however, we are very excited to offer our first pet-friendly community. As of June 2019, Phase V will be pet-friendly,” Leake said.

These updates don’t address all of the concerns that some students have with housing at Mercer.

“The university ought to make living spaces more accessible for low-income or self-supporting students,” said Taylor Cole, a junior who lives off campus. “If they aren’t price-adjusted for low-income students, then I feel that they’re pointless.”

Sophomore Mimi Nguyen lives in Mercer Hall and plans to live in the Lofts for housing security.

“I’m only considering living there to try and secure housing for senior year, because I heard people who live in lofts get to choose lofts again before other people who don’t,” she said.

She said the biggest problem students face is the 3-year on-campus housing requirement.

“I knew a lot of seniors this year who were practically without housing in the first few weeks of school, and that worries me a little,” Nguyen said.