Well, it’s official; this May, after 55 years of housing more than 25,000 male students, Chidley Residence Hall will close its doors forever.

In 1951, when its doors first opened, Chidley Residence Hall sat in grandeur at the top of the hill.

Today it sits quietly in the shadows of new, more modern residential halls.

Jennifer Wilder, director of residential life, said this is the last year N.C. Central University will house students in the building named after Dr. Howard Chidley.

Howard Chidley was a member of the board of trustees from 1916-1921, a financial contributor and a supporter of NCCU founder Dr. James E. Shepard.

The main building was home to an estimated 300 male students each semester until the annex was added to the structure in 1965 and occupancy increased to 618.

Freshman Vince Horne said it was an adjustment living in Chidley. He said cold showers and dilapidated bathrooms took some getting used to.

But a few of the residents said that it’s not the building, but some of the residents that make life in Chidley difficult.

“It took some getting use to, but now it’s fine,” said political science freshman Rodrick Williams.

“I didn’t know anyone when I got here; now I know most of the people in the dorm.”

Chidley residents will be shifted to dormitories throughout the University’s housing system. NCCU’s residential system is currently equipped to house some 2,400 full-time students.

According to Chancellor James H. Ammons, NCCU is looking at new strategies for housing students.

“If we purchase a facility, this will take about six months to a year. If built, we are looking at two to three years,” said Ammons.

University officials are not certain when Chidley will be torn down, or what will be built in its place.

“They’re still discussing future plans for the site,” said Wilder.

According to NCCU historian and archivist Brooklyn McMillon, the addition of the annex created the courtyard that many students have used as a place to socialize and to play basketball.

After 52 years of service, the main building was closed in 2003.