Since the 1920s, the Shoreland, a registered national landmark, has provided luxurious shelter to everyone from Al Capone and Elvis to its present, eclectic mix of U of C students.

Part of the Shoreland’s charm is its unique room offerings. Residents can choose from a single, double, triple, quadruple, and the one quintuple in all of student housing. The dorm rooms, which include private bathrooms and often have private kitchens, combine the homey feel of an apartment with the standard features of a University dorm. While the Shoreland’s age shows in its peeling walls and creaking radiators, its devotees value this rustic charm.

The Shoreland sits right on Lake Michigan with the Point only minutes away. But coveted lakefront views come at a cost, as the Shoreland is the most distant dorm from campus. The distance, however, is relatively trivial for residents of the 12-story, 10-house building, with easy bus access to Hyde Park businesses and CTA transportation.

There is no typical Shorelander. Residents can be social and active in their houses or remain private in their rooms with a close-knit circle of friends. As far as diversity, eclecticism, and size are concerned, the Shoreland stands unbeatable.

But much to the dismay of many, the University has already sold the building for private development; the Shoreland’s dorm life will end in 2008.