The UA’s two new residence halls, Árbol de la Vida and Likins Hall, opened to the public for the first time during open houses on Monday and Tuesday.

Among those getting a first look at the building was former UA President Peter Likins, for whom Likins Hall is named.

Likins said he thought the scale of the residence hall was impressive.

“”We really need to have the quality space for the students to live. As the population and the student body grows it is unacceptable to have them rummaging around the neighborhood trying to find a place to live,”” Likins said. “”So these two residence halls will make an enormous difference and are attractive, then, to freshmen and the way we serve freshmen. Freshmen particularly because for them residential life is absolutely critical.””

He also said the green technology in the building was wonderful.

Both halls have a sustainability focus. Close to 80 percent of the building materials are recycled.

Árbol de la Vida is equipped with tools designed for learning about sustainability. The hall is furnished with a Building Dashboard, an interative kiosk which displays and monitors the hall’s energy and water use.

“”I’m very pleased and of course I’m honored to have my name attached, but I would be pleased to see this project whether it had my name attached to it or not,”” Likins said.

Donna Bourbon, program coordinator in the department of Nutritional Sciences, said her first impression of Likins Hall was “”wow.””

“”You don’t expect to see this in a dorm. This is very unexpected. There’s beautiful art, there’s a grand piano,”” Bourbon said.

Interdisciplinary studies senior Rosalinda Flores said Likins Hall was beautiful.

“”It’s like living in your own little house,”” Flores said.

Students will start moving in Aug. 17. This year, their stuff might move in even earlier. For the first time, Residence Life is offering a pre-load shipping program for students. Through the program, students can ship boxes to an off-campus location and, before move-in, the boxes will be delivered to the student’s room.

Residence Life Director Jim Van Arsdel said parking gets more crowded each year and that he is hoping this new service will cut down on the logistical issues.

“”If I worry about anything, more than anything else it is probably the 50-year-old dads carrying heavy boxes, just sweating profusely and all. I can see is a heart attack waiting to happen. So this is an idea that I think is really good,”” Van Arsdel said.