(02-12-2015 08:41 AM)Top Dawg Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 08:29 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  How old is the Blue Ridge Hall been standing? I don't remember it back in the early 80's. It can't be much more that 25 years. What is it being currently used for and is it used today for its original purpose? You can see where I am going, its just frustrating to see a building built and only get half of its life expectancy out of it. Though, I do understand sometimes these things happen. I'm just inquiring so please don't come on here acting like I'm so old school conservative nut case.

I believe that Blue Ridge Hall was built in the late 90's. I recall it being modular construction and went up very quickly. I think it was built because dorm space was desperately needed. I don't remember ever actually going into the building, but seeing it built, it didn't seem like the most solid, long lasting construction.

I found the answer on the website.

Quote:Throughout the history of JMU, finding creative solutions to house students has been a continuing theme. In the 1990s, when applications to the University began rivaling those of both the University of Virginia and William and Mary, JMU accommodated as many students on campus as possible. With this desire paramount, planners devised a plan using a pre-fabricated structure which became Blue Ridge Hall in 1997. Named for the mountains which the hall faces.

So it seems my memory is fairly accurate. I'm not sure of the useful life of a "pre-fabricated" construction dorm.

Seems "creative" but when I was living on campus things were so bad students lived in motels (HoJos) and in village dorm common areas (there were like 6 or 8 guys jammed in there and those places reeked from all the BO, bad breath, and other smells I don't want to think of).

had a friend that was in Blue Ridge in 2002 and he said it was a dump then. In recent years it's been offices and now I think it's largely vacant.

Tuesday Morning is moving across town to a building on 33 east where the old Goodwill store is. JMU owns both properties, so I'd guess that they both will be on the ground.

Rockingham Hall (old HoJos) is getting demolished this summer. Now I won't say early summer 2015 or late summer 2015 because I wouldn't want a couple posters to spazz out, but it'll be "summer 2015". New dorm on Grace Street opening for classes in Fall 2015 (that's mid-August for the calendar people) will offset the difference in beds.

(02-12-2015 09:06 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  had a friend that was in Blue Ridge in 2002 and he said it was a dump then. In recent years it's been offices and now I think it's largely vacant.

Tuesday Morning is moving across town to a building on 33 east where the old Goodwill store is. JMU owns both properties, so I'd guess that they both will be on the ground.

Rockingham Hall (old HoJos) is getting demolished this summer. Now I won't say early summer 2015 or late summer 2015 because I wouldn't want a couple posters to spazz out, but it'll be "summer 2015". New dorm on Grace Street opening for classes in Fall 2015 (that's mid-August for the calendar people) will offset the difference in beds.

Ha! They bought HoJos and renamed it "Rockingham Hall"? That's classic. We have a community in our town called "Twin Lake Estates". The "lakes" are two old retaining ponds and the "estates" are 30 year old single-wides with tin foil exteriors.

New convo would be close to Sheetz. I'm in just for that reason alone.

I really don't care where they build it, they just need to build it.
BUt if it is built close to the intersection where Sheetz is they better fix the traffic flow around there b/c it is absolutely awful as it is and the folks that currently direct traffic after ball games are just clueless. There is no rhyme or reason for how they currently direct traffic out of ballgames. I leave the same lot every game and the direction I am sent is completely random and changes continually. It is bad with the attendance we have, just think how much of a cluster it would be if we had 5-6k per game.
I could come up with a better traffic plan in about 5 minutes on the back of a McDonalds napkin.

(02-12-2015 09:06 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  had a friend that was in Blue Ridge in 2002 and he said it was a dump then. In recent years it's been offices and now I think it's largely vacant.

Tuesday Morning is moving across town to a building on 33 east where the old Goodwill store is. JMU owns both properties, so I'd guess that they both will be on the ground.

Rockingham Hall (old HoJos) is getting demolished this summer. Now I won't say early summer 2015 or late summer 2015 because I wouldn't want a couple posters to spazz out, but it'll be "summer 2015". New dorm on Grace Street opening for classes in Fall 2015 (that's mid-August for the calendar people) will offset the difference in beds.

Yeeaaa...

Your comparison would be a bit more relevant if JMU had been promising to demolish and improve the HoJo location for over five years now but we get your point...

(02-12-2015 10:08 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  I really don't care where they build it, they just need to build it.
BUt if it is built close to the intersection where Sheetz is they better fix the traffic flow around there b/c it is absolutely awful as it is and the folks that currently direct traffic after ball games are just clueless. There is no rhyme or reason for how they currently direct traffic out of ballgames. I leave the same lot every game and the direction I am sent is completely random and changes continually. It is bad with the attendance we have, just think how much of a cluster it would be if we had 5-6k per game.
I could come up with a better traffic plan in about 5 minutes on the back of a McDonalds napkin.

I think you would be better off by going towards Port Republic to get on I-81. They get us out of there pretty quick.

(02-12-2015 10:31 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:08 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  I really don't care where they build it, they just need to build it.
BUt if it is built close to the intersection where Sheetz is they better fix the traffic flow around there b/c it is absolutely awful as it is and the folks that currently direct traffic after ball games are just clueless. There is no rhyme or reason for how they currently direct traffic out of ballgames. I leave the same lot every game and the direction I am sent is completely random and changes continually. It is bad with the attendance we have, just think how much of a cluster it would be if we had 5-6k per game.
I could come up with a better traffic plan in about 5 minutes on the back of a McDonalds napkin.

I think you would be better off by going towards Port Republic to get on I-81. They get us out of there pretty quick.

That would work I suppose but I really need to head west on 33 post-game. I can manage it but the traffic routing is just absurd. It seems like no thought or planning goes into it. You cannot really plan for it either b/c from the same spot (Lot A) it is anyone's guess which way you will be directed out. It is a given thought to always be the way I don't want to go.

(02-12-2015 10:43 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:31 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:08 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  I really don't care where they build it, they just need to build it.
BUt if it is built close to the intersection where Sheetz is they better fix the traffic flow around there b/c it is absolutely awful as it is and the folks that currently direct traffic after ball games are just clueless. There is no rhyme or reason for how they currently direct traffic out of ballgames. I leave the same lot every game and the direction I am sent is completely random and changes continually. It is bad with the attendance we have, just think how much of a cluster it would be if we had 5-6k per game.
I could come up with a better traffic plan in about 5 minutes on the back of a McDonalds napkin.

I think you would be better off by going towards Port Republic to get on I-81. They get us out of there pretty quick.

That would work I suppose but I really need to head west on 33 post-game. I can manage it but the traffic routing is just absurd. It seems like no thought or planning goes into it. You cannot really plan for it either b/c from the same spot (Lot A) it is anyone's guess which way you will be directed out. It is a given thought to always be the way I don't want to go.

OOH! That's a direction I have never thought about. How about a helicopter?

(02-12-2015 11:21 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:43 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:31 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 10:08 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  I really don't care where they build it, they just need to build it.
BUt if it is built close to the intersection where Sheetz is they better fix the traffic flow around there b/c it is absolutely awful as it is and the folks that currently direct traffic after ball games are just clueless. There is no rhyme or reason for how they currently direct traffic out of ballgames. I leave the same lot every game and the direction I am sent is completely random and changes continually. It is bad with the attendance we have, just think how much of a cluster it would be if we had 5-6k per game.
I could come up with a better traffic plan in about 5 minutes on the back of a McDonalds napkin.

I think you would be better off by going towards Port Republic to get on I-81. They get us out of there pretty quick.

That would work I suppose but I really need to head west on 33 post-game. I can manage it but the traffic routing is just absurd. It seems like no thought or planning goes into it. You cannot really plan for it either b/c from the same spot (Lot A) it is anyone's guess which way you will be directed out. It is a given thought to always be the way I don't want to go.

OOH! That's a direction I have never thought about. How about a helicopter?

I meant 33 east ---- my fingers and brain were just not in sync

If they push you out to Port, get on 81N & take Exit 247.

Serioulsy I know how to navigate around Harrisonburg.....my point being there is no consistent traffic egress from the current Convocation Center.
Furhermore all traffic egress options are kind of sucky from the current location (with very low attendance).
1 - One route runs you thru a freaking neighborhood behind a Days Inn ---- with a T-intsection in port republic
2 - Take you back out past Sheetz where that light is a complete cluster that they stack up and do not direct.

The main point being if they build in that general location they have to come up with a better traffic plan.

(02-12-2015 11:49 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  Serioulsy I know how to navigate around Harrisonburg.....my point being there is no consistent traffic egress from the current Convocation Center.
Furhermore all traffic egress options are kind of sucky from the current location (with very low attendance).
1 - One route runs you thru a freaking neighborhood behind a Days Inn ---- with a T-intsection in port republic
2 - Take you back out past Sheetz where that light is a complete cluster that they stack up and do not direct.

The main point being if they build in that general location they have to come up with a better traffic plan.

I do get your point as I went out that way one time and one time only. Its a mess and you can tell those directing traffic are simply making it up as they go along.

The only comfort I can offer is that Reservoir St will soon start being widened to 5 lanes, and at that time intersections at University, Neff, and on out to the county will also be widened and improved.

Until JMU finishes buying up properties between Days Inn and the existing Convo, the other direction will be what it is. I would think that eventually University would be 4-5 lanes the whole way from Carrier Drive on back through this neighborhood and out to Port Road.

(02-12-2015 09:06 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  had a friend that was in Blue Ridge in 2002 and he said it was a dump then. In recent years it's been offices and now I think it's largely vacant.

Tuesday Morning is moving across town to a building on 33 east where the old Goodwill store is. JMU owns both properties, so I'd guess that they both will be on the ground.

Rockingham Hall (old HoJos) is getting demolished this summer. Now I won't say early summer 2015 or late summer 2015 because I wouldn't want a couple posters to spazz out, but it'll be "summer 2015". New dorm on Grace Street opening for classes in Fall 2015 (that's mid-August for the calendar people) will offset the difference in beds.

They named the HoJo's?!? hahaha.

I don't recall exactly when they started to move students into "Rockingham Hall" but I was in Hunters Ridge (yes, it was actually pretty nice, then) and the kids in the HoJo's still got the regular maid service, could eat in the restaurant on their meal plan (I think that was correct) and whatever other niceties that came with living in a motel.

Seemed like a pretty good gig at the time, course we weren't availed of other places that look more like a Sandals than college housing...

http://www.overlookatstonespring.com/

/rolls eyes/

Shame it's coming down, but I'm sure it's a dump. Now that DEEZ has guaranteed it will be gone by end of June for a new dorm by start of fall classes, that will be a prime spot once again. Easy walk and lot's going on in that corridor.

(02-12-2015 12:55 PM)JMUDunk Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 09:06 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  had a friend that was in Blue Ridge in 2002 and he said it was a dump then. In recent years it's been offices and now I think it's largely vacant.

Tuesday Morning is moving across town to a building on 33 east where the old Goodwill store is. JMU owns both properties, so I'd guess that they both will be on the ground.

Rockingham Hall (old HoJos) is getting demolished this summer. Now I won't say early summer 2015 or late summer 2015 because I wouldn't want a couple posters to spazz out, but it'll be "summer 2015". New dorm on Grace Street opening for classes in Fall 2015 (that's mid-August for the calendar people) will offset the difference in beds.

They named the HoJo's?!? hahaha.

I don't recall exactly when they started to move students into "Rockingham Hall" but I was in Hunters Ridge (yes, it was actually pretty nice, then) and the kids in the HoJo's still got the regular maid service, could eat in the restaurant on their meal plan (I think that was correct) and whatever other niceties that came with living in a motel.

Seemed like a pretty good gig at the time, course we weren't availed of other places that look more like a Sandals than college housing...

http://www.overlookatstonespring.com/

/rolls eyes/

Shame it's coming down, but I'm sure it's a dump. Now that DEEZ has guaranteed it will be gone by end of June for a new dorm by start of fall classes, that will be a prime spot once again. Easy walk and lot's going on in that corridor.

we used to regularly hit up the hojo's ice machine too. kept us from driking warm beast light. I can't believe I actually drank that stuff now that I think about it.

(02-12-2015 11:49 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  Serioulsy I know how to navigate around Harrisonburg.....my point being there is no consistent traffic egress from the current Convocation Center.

Wasn't trying to patronize you. The way I read the post made it seem like you didn't know.

I bet they just tell police to put cars whichever way has less waiting.

(02-12-2015 02:16 PM)HyperDuke Wrote:  

(02-12-2015 11:49 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  Serioulsy I know how to navigate around Harrisonburg.....my point being there is no consistent traffic egress from the current Convocation Center.

Wasn't trying to patronize you. The way I read the post made it seem like you didn't know.

I bet they just tell police to put cars whichever way has less waiting.

That's what it looks like, but it causes a total mess. Most would think heading out of the Convo lot towards Port Republic would be horrible due to being so single file, but just the opposite, because it is so organized, I can be on I-81 South in 10 - 15 minutes from the time I start my car. Its a nice slow roll all the way out of there.

If they would find a method of lining the cars up going out the north end all the way to 33, it would work much better. Instead, as soon as they get off of JMU property, everybody starts scrambling and jockeying and it gets in one big knot.

the inconsistency in the traffic patterns irks me too for Basketball and Football both. Admittedly with basketball i don't have much problem anymore from B lot I prefer to go right. but Football - last year I think I was pushed 3 different directions during the year. The worst was having to go up from P lot, across Carrier drive to University and then being forced left onto University.

(02-12-2015 03:43 PM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  the inconsistency in the traffic patterns irks me too for Basketball and Football both. Admittedly with basketball i don't have much problem anymore from B lot I prefer to go right. but Football - last year I think I was pushed 3 different directions during the year. The worst was having to go up from P lot, across Carrier drive to University and then being forced left onto University.

One game a couple years back, the line exiting the Convo heading south, backed up to the Convo parking lot. They began to force cars out of the Convo lot to go north. The best thing to do is just sit there for a minute. The back of the line to go south will have moved forward and they'll start allowing cars to go in south direction again. They are simply too anxious to get the lots empty, but if they will stick to a plan it will work. I really wish they could see what they are doing to the traffic from a helicopter.