Padua Hall, one of the main residence halls at Quincy, has long been a part of the Quincy University experience for many students. However, its aging infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the safety of those who rely on it daily. 

Among the most pressing issues is the condition of the building’s stairs, which have become increasingly hazardous over time. With four stories and no elevator, Padua Hall presents significant challenges, especially for those with mobility issues or anyone who needs to navigate the hazardous staircases. The lack of an elevator is a pressing issue and its absence leaves individuals who have difficulty with stairs no way to access the upper levels, essentially causing the building to be inaccessible for people with impairments. 

In a time when accessibility is increasingly prioritized in resident halls, Padua’s failure to provide an elevator makes it especially difficult for students, faculty, and staff to navigate the building.

In addition to the lack of accessibility, the building’s stairs themselves present a major safety risk. Numerous staircases in Padua Hall have missing or damaged railings, exposing sharp metal edges that increase the risk of injury.

“The lack of an elevator is a serious problem,” says Tiernan Stynes, a student at Quincy University who had severe knee injuries, describes his challenges. “If you need to get to the top floors and can’t use the stairs, you’re out of luck.”

Max Booher, a QU freshman recovering from a leg injury, explains, “The missing railings on the stairs are a real hazard. I’ve seen people trip and nearly get hurt because the railings are sharp. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.”

The absence of these critical safety features, especially on steep staircases, creates a dangerous environment for anyone moving through the building.

The building’s deteriorating condition has compounded these safety issues. In addition to the missing railings, the overall structural wear and tear on Padua Hall have made it difficult to maintain. The lack of response to address hazards and damage leaves many in the student community concerned for their safety.

“Every time I have to use those stairs, I wonder if today is the day I’m going to slip ,” says Josh Boucher, a QU junior. “It’s scary to think about how many times people have walked those stairs without incident. But sooner or later, someone will get hurt.”

With no elevator, missing railings, and a general lack of maintenance, Padua Hall has become a hazardous environment for its users. The risks associated with its stairs are becoming increasingly hard to ignore, and the building’s aging structure only adds to the growing concern.

As the university continues to rely on Padua Hall as a key part of its housing on campus, the safety and accessibility of the building must be addressed to prevent risk of injury. Without proper attention, the building’s condition will continue to pose a significant threat to the safety of the Quincy University community.