Western Technical College won't renew its lease for West Hall at Sixth and Vine streets and instead plans a new $8 million residence hall on the north end of campus.

Officials cite high demand for student housing and the desire for a more secure residence hall as reasons for the move.

Western's lease for the former Ivy Hotel expires in August 2010.

Mike Pieper, vice president of finance and operations at Western, said the current facility has doors that open directly outside rather than a single secured main entrance.

"It was never meant to be a residence hall," he said. "It was built to be a hotel.... We want to try to get back to a true dorm."

In addition, the current residence hall has ...

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