History of the Tenth Street Residence

The Tenth Street Residence was built in the early 60’s as a men’s dorm for Notre Dame University. St. Martin’s Hall (west wing) was built first, in 1961, with solid cast concrete walls and floors. McCarthy Hall (east wing) was built as an addition in 1963 but of a different construction style--concrete post and beam with cinderblock infill walls. Although they were built as two separate buildings, they are referred to as ‘the residence’ (singular).

The residence was used by first by Notre Dame University then by David Thompson University in the 70’s and by the Canadian International College from 1988 to 1998. It was empty for a few years until Selkirk used parts of it to house students in the mid 2000’s but it has been empty since. The reason for closure was related to the unsuitability of the traditional dorm configuration with large group washrooms and inadequate kitchen and lounge facilities which did not attract residents or help them live comfortably or affordably.

In recent years, the Nelson Student Housing Steering Committee was established and various solutions to the housing situation were explored. In the end, the committee focused its energy on the renovation and reopening of the residence. 

Mechanical, electrical and acoustic upgrades to Studio 80 will be included in the project. Studio 80 has been in steady use by the college’s very successful Contemporary Music & Technology program and the renovation will provide an attractive amenity to the dorm residents.

The residence, like all of the Tenth Street campus, is owned by the City of Nelson. All parts of this property currently in use have been leased from the city for the nominal fee of $1.00.