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Once upon a time, Kronshage Mack House had both a barber shop and a student-run co-op known as Lakeshore Stores Inc. in its basement. But Kronshage’s underground offerings didn’t stop there. Residents also enjoyed a workshop complete with power tools beneath Mack House and a library and music room under Gilman House. Plus, the spacious basements provided enough room to operate a student newspaper, called the Dorm Dweller, and a radio station. The eight Kronshage units were completed in 1939 in response to a serious men’s housing shortage. During the planning stage, students petitioned for the new dorms to be designed by Frank Lloyd Wright x1890; campus opted for a cheaper route. The final layout provided room for the aforementioned amenities and accomplished an important goal laid out in the building proposal: “Substantial recreational facilities were suggested, for sports and hobbies, since ‘ … destruction, gambling, and drinking become a minimum worry if boys are busy and happy at work and play.’ ” And, yes, there are pictures. Above, you’ll see an image of the co-op from when it was called the Men’s Halls Store, Inc., and in this shot, you’ll see a reference to Kronshage’s basement barber shop.

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