'60 years strong and ready for next'
Siddall Hall welcomed new faces and familiar old friends during a grand reopening ceremony Friday at the University of Cincinnati.
About 200 people gathered in the breezeway between Siddall and Calhoun halls to listen to speeches, pose for photos and grab refreshments before touring UC’s newest living area for students.
“It is exciting and energizing to be here today,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto.
After 18 months of renovations, the refreshed Siddall Hall will offer 500 beds on 12 floors of residence hall space. The 112,000-square-foot building boasts new amenities including a 5,000-square-foot fitness area, lounge space and a common laundry and kitchenette.
Total cost of the project is $85 million. The renovation follows a two-year upgrade to adjacent Calhoun Hall, which reopened in January 2023.
President Pinto said the hall is proof of UC’s commitment to its students.
“Residence halls — the place where students live and work and play — when well designed, provide an unmatched location for an immersive and positive campus experience that builds a true sense of belonging and belonging is critical for student success,” he said.
“It is essential for the well-being of our students.”
Student Body President Madison Welsey said Siddall will be a place where students can build lifelong friendships.
“This project is more than a renovation, it is an investment in our students and their experiences and their success,” Wesley said.
Carl Dieso, assistant vice president of housing, likened the event to a birthday party.
“This lovely lady is turning 60 years young,” he said of Siddall Hall. “We declare Siddall is ready for next. After serving 20,000 Bearcats, this reinvisioned community with its modern amenities is ready to serve another 20,000 Bearcats or more in the decades to come.”
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Siddall Hall will open for students during Fall 2024 after nearly 18 months of renovations. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Honoring Sidddall’s namesake
Siddall Hall originally opened in fall 1964. It was built to be a women’s residence hall and named for Helen Walker Siddall. Helen Siddall was a native Cincinnatian and graduate of Hughes High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from UC in 1922. She and her husband, Kelly, were benefactors for the residence hall, which was constructed without public funds.
Helen Siddall was extremely active in Cincinnati civic organizations. She led the Red Cross War Fund during World War II and continued service for many more years. Kelly Siddall received a degree in commercial engineering from UC in 1925, and an honorary degree in 1962. He was instrumental in establishing the UC Fund, now known as the UC Foundation, and served as national president of the UC Alumni Association from 1963-64.
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Potrait of Helen Siddall. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
A portrait of Helen Siddall will be on display in the new space.
Siddall’s grandchildren Anne Castleberry, Bizzy Castleberry Driscoll and Christine Lippert were in attendance.
“We always emphasize we are here today because of those who came before us and the vision they had and the investment they made in time and money,” said Pinto. “The Siddalls were known for many wonderful things in our community including their efforts to raise financial support for the university.”
Pinto invoked the words of former UC President Walter Langsam, who referred to Helen Siddall as “the living exemplar of responsible citizenship who embodies integrity, kindness, grace and selflessness,” 60 years ago during the original dedication of the hall.
“Sixty years strong and ready for next,” said Pinto.
Several media from Greater Cincinnati covered the grand reopening.
- Fox 19
- WLWT
- Local 12 News
- WCPO
- WVXU
- WLW
Featured top image of the Siddall Hall ribbon-cutting taken by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall will have a 5,000-square-foot fitness center for students. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall will include common space that makes great use of natural light. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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More than 500 beds will be available for students in Siddall Hall. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Laundry facilities are available in Siddall Hall. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall offers a kitchenette area for students. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall's fitness center is initially open to just students living in the residence hall and nearby Calhoun Hall. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall lounge areas emphasize the use of natural light for student relaxation. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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Siddall Hall and neighboring Calhoun Hall are viewed as one learning community for students. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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