Students, faculty and administration gathered in the parking lot of the Mirage Diner to commemorate the future site of the North Avenue Residence Hall on Jan. 30. The Iona College food truck and Killian were both on hand to build the school spirit.

The Mirage Diner was a fixture in the New Rochelle community for well over 15 years. Famous for their diverse menu and 24-hour schedule, the Mirage Diner offered Iona students and New Rochelle residents a hefty helping of breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.

Under a white awning, the winds were strong as senior C.J. Funaro, president of the Iona College Student Government Association, provided opening remarks on the ambitious project. Construction is set to begin in early spring and is scheduled to finish sometime in mid-August. It will feature six floors of apartment-style living for 310 students, complete with on-campus parking for students and commercial space for future restaurants. Funaro expressed enthusiasm at being a part of the Residence Hall project and explained the benefits it would bring to both the college and the New Rochelle community.

Afterwards, Dr. Joseph Nyre, president of Iona College, spoke about the Residence Hall project. “We have a master plan for this campus,” Nyre said. “What it will look like next year and many years to come. That includes the changes you’re seeing on North Avenue, the changes you’re seeing right here.”

He went on to discuss the changes and the mindset of the administration going forward.

“We are committed to increasing the quality and quantity of student housing,” Nyre said, “I made the commitment three and a half years ago and you’re seeing that commitment here.”

Dr. Nyre expressed gratitude towards the students who participated in the planning of the new residence hall.

“I also want to thank the students who helped design this building,” he said. “This new residence hall was formed by you, by your input and we’re excited for what’s about to happen.”

He ended his speech on a positive note with, “So while we say goodbye to our beloved diner, soon we’re going to say ‘Welcome to a new home,’ and that’s pretty exciting.”

After the speech, students were invited to sign their names and class years on the diner window panes.

When asked for his opinion on the new residence hall, Dr. Nyre expressed honest concern for the campus student experience.

“We continue to improve this part of North Avenue to make it a better place for you and future Gaels and that’s important to me,” Nyre said.

Other members of the administration shared in Dr. Nyre’s enthusiasm about the residence hall project. Caitlin Kruger, senior director of Advancement and Constituency Relations, revealed that the project was part of a long term plan in their campaign for beautification of the Iona College campus. Similarly, Dr. Sibdas Ghosh, Dean of the School of Arts and Science expressed his excitement for the new residence hall.

“It serves multiple purposes,” he said. “Better retention, important aesthetic addition and the students will be happy. You want students to be happy, relax and have all the amenities they need. That’s the most important thing.”

Students paid homage to the diner that they have enjoyed for so many years by signing their names on the windows.