May 29, 2021–9:51 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Berry College has purchased a motel adjacent to Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and will completely renovate and refurbish it as a new housing complex for upper-level students.

“This gives us an opportunity to increase our housing options for senior and junior students and provides flexibility for the campus as we continue to see increased interest in the college,” said Berry President Steve Briggs. This addition will help ease the pressure in residence halls as Berry welcomes a record Fall 2021 freshmen class.

“The bones of this property are good and its location next to Oak Hill is important to us as we seek to improve the community and continue our investment in the Rome area.  We are pleased to join the cooperative effort to enhance the Martha Berry corridor,” Briggs said.

Formerly the Sunrise Inn & Suites, the housing unit will be renamed Oak Hill Residences, and will open in time for the fall semester.

The renovation is being designed by CEVIAN Design Lab, which created the award-winning Bell Recital Hall at Ford Auditorium, Sisters Theatre and other high-end projects in Floyd County. Berry is partnering with Brasfield & Gorrie to manage the construction.

Oak Hill Residences will house 80 male and female students in 2-person units that each include a private bathroom. The ample living space – larger than traditional, double rooms – will have a streamlined, contemporary style. Resident assistants and a professional staff member will also reside in the community.

Students will have the feel of off-campus living with the safety and amenities of on-campus. The Oak Hill Residences will have gated access and Campus Police will patrol the complex.