Construction work began today on a new $55 million student residence hall which will add 608 beds on campus.

The four-story building will replace Foley Hall, which was demolished last August, and should be finished by the 2009 fall semester.

“I don’t want anyone to use the word ‘dormitories,’ ” said Lori Varlotta, vice president of Student Affairs, in her speech at the groundbreaking ceremony today. “These are really suites.” While dorms are usually places for sleeping, Varlotta said the focus behind this new hall was about creating a place with a community feel.

The plans call for the triple, double, and single-occupancy suites to each have bathrooms, a food prep area, and a living room. Also in the building will be retail space, laundry facilities, and common areas.

Funding for the project comes from state bonds and the Dormitory Reserve Fund, said Cynthia Cockrill, director of Housing and Residential Life.

“This is 100 percent supported by students,” she said. No general fund money will go into the project.

Senior photography major Krystle Coniglio is a resident adviser in Desmond Hall. She said after four years of living on campus, she is excited to see a different kind of residence hall being constructed.

“They seem like they’re going to be a really nice change for the campus,” she said. “Eventually, I’ll have kids of my own who might be going to this school.”

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez said this would be the first new residence hall built in 20 years. He said he hopes it and the other new construction projects on campus will help to counteract Sac State’s reputation as a commuter school.

Associated Students Inc. President Christina Romero said in her address that she didn’t see a vibrant student life on campus when she first arrived in 2004. Since then, the campus has started to blossom as more students hang out in the Library Quad and University Union and as plans are made for a Recreation and Wellness Center and new residence halls.

“That’s something I’m very excited about,” Romero said. “I want to thank President Gonzalez and his cabinet, because they do have visions – positive visions – for our students to succeed.”

Lacey Waymire can be reached at [email protected].