In 1989, the average number of requests for campus housing per year stood at three-hundred and forty-eight; however, the housing capacity at the college was only two-hundred and one. This left one-hundred and forty-seven students with housing needs unmet. Snow Hall was conceived to at least partially alleviate that need by housing an additional fifty students. The funding for this project originated in the same bond issue that paid for the construction of the Martin Building. From this bond issue, $1,100,000 was allocated to the construction of the new dormitory that would become Snow Hall.

Designed by Moore/Weinrich Architects of Brunswick, Maine, Snow Hall features nine 5-person suites and a meeting room. Fully accessible for the disabled, this new residence hall was designed to bring a more modern effect to the campus. The design was intended to bring maximum comfort, individual flexibility, and cost effectiveness by incorporating the privacy of an apartment with the community of a dormitory. It added a new dimension to the already diverse housing options that were available to students at the time. The meeting room was designed to accommodate classes, conferencing, and student activities.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 27, 1992, as general contractor Ouellet Construction of Madawaska, Maine, began the task of building the new dormitory. Ouellet Construction had previously served in the same role constructing the Mailman Trades Building. Construction was completed and the new building was open for occupancy by the start of the fall semester 1993. Included as a part of the Maine Percent for Art program was a landscaping piece entitled “8 Waves” by Robert C. Hoover of Portland, Maine. The artwork consisted of eight concrete waves and mounded earth landscaping that included shrubbery and flowers. It is located at the walkway leading to Snow Hall.

A dedication ceremony was held on August 8, 1993, with more than 150 in attendance. The residence hall was dedicated to Paris J. Snow in honor of his longtime advocacy of Aroostook County – especially NMTC. Snow believed strongly that post-secondary education greatly benefits both the individual and the community. Additionally, Snow was a vocal advocate for the bond issue which made possible the new residence hall bearing his name.

Renovations during the summer of 1996 added the convenience of internet and telephone access in each room. The summer of 2002 brought a redesign of the exterior landscaping, including the “8 Waves” area. The new landscaping and design was done by Shane Theriault of Theriault Lawn Care, and it incorporated the existing wave walls as new flower beds and trees were added.

Snow Hall added a third option for student housing on campus that was a combination of the existing apartment and traditional styles. The addition of fifty new beds in a time of need also was of great benefit to the campus and the ongoing desire to expand to serve the educational needs of the community.

Credit: Brian Hall June 3, 2011