A Train Runs Through It

https://soundcloud.com/mk413/train-sound


The rhythmic thumping of the freight train, the screeching of the wheels on metal, and the blare of the conductor's horn are a daily reminder for students living in the Riverview Suites that their dorm is unlike any of the others on-campus.

"I think it's cool that we live near a train track," said Jaclyn Casavant, a junior psychology major. "It's kind of cool to watch the train go by when I am walking over the catwalk. It's kind of homey."

Riverview Suites, located near South Campus, recently opened for the fall 2013 semester, is separated from the campus by an MBTA railroad track.  Lee Kennedy Co. Inc., hired by SoHo Development, built a 104-foot  pedestrian footbridge that connect the building to the South Campus parking lot, according to a press release from High-Profile Monthly.

The decision to build Riverview Suites parallel to the railroad tracks was made by the university, said Matt Austin, associate director of Residence Life. However, the residence hall's proximity to the train tracks are not a cause for concern given how infrequently the freight train passes by and its slow speed, said Austin.

There should not be any concerns about students walking on the train tracks, either, as each side of the train track has fencing, said Austin. The residence hall also has cameras in and around the building to ensure additional protection, he said.

Some students say they like having the train in front of the building, but the loudness of the train can be a problem at times.  Emily Houle, a resident of Riverview Suites, lives in a suite that directly faces the train. "I think it's cool, I just don't like when it's loud late at night, because I feel like I can't keep my windows open when I sleep because it will wake me up," she said.

The catwalk can also be annoying to students at times, as it makes the walk to South Campus take longer. "I don't mind having a train right there, because I'm used to living on a busy street, but I don't like the catwalk because it's inconvenient getting to class sometimes," said Melanie Doucet, a junior psychology major.

Riverview Suites is one of the newest dorms built on campus since 1989. UMass Lowell is leasing the building for 15 to 30 years, according to High-Profile Monthly. The residence hall houses 504 students in two-room and three-room apartment-style suites. Each suite boasts a full kitchen, living room and bathroom, said Austin. The 172,000-square-foot building features a new fitness center, located on the first floor, five seminar rooms designated for student classes and programs, a large common space and a game room, he said.