LEWISTON – Bates College unveiled a $17.5 million residence hall Friday, opening the new 56,000-square-foot building to tours.

“Ooh,” said state Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, pausing at a lounge with a wall-mounted flat panel TV, sleek furniture and peach-and-cream walls. “I love the colors. Warm colors.”

Construction for the 280 College St. dorm began in 2006 as part of Bates College’s 25-year master plan. Although some construction continues – the sound of a buzz saw echoed through a cavernous first-floor lounge Friday – most of the dorm was finished, painted and furnished.

Built to accommodate 150 students, the three-story residence hall is largely a traditional dorm. It features small rooms (about 200 square feet for two students), study furniture (heavy wood, moveable) and basic, common bathrooms.

“Our students wanted something nice, but nothing extravagant. I don’t think there’s anything in there that’s over the top,” said Dean of Students Erin Foster Zsiga.

But the college’s first dorm in 14 years does have some innovations. A touch screen monitor shows students how much heat, electricity and water they’re using floor by floor, allowing friendly competition to keep consumption down. An enclosed walkway features floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the campus.

All floors have small lounges with flat-panel TVs, while a massive first-floor lounge promises a gas fireplace, scatter rugs and cozy furniture when it’s finished. The basement offers a sound-dampened space for parties and performances.

“It’s below grade, so we won’t bother the neighbors,” said Pam Wichroski, project manager.

More than two dozen neighbors, city officials and Bates employees toured the residence hall Friday morning. Many said they were impressed by the large windows, the soothing wall colors and the energy-saving aspects of the building.

“Nice,” said Susanna Chatametikool, whose father taught at the college between the 1930s and 1960s. She returned to Lewiston to live several years ago. “I wouldn’t mind staying in some of those rooms.”

Like other Lewiston residents, Chatametikool was initially worried the dorm would block public access to Mt. David, a popular nature spot. After the tour, she wasn’t worried anymore.

“I’m really glad Mt. David wasn’t being cut off,” she said.

The new dorm, which has no official name yet, will replace two smaller, older dorms on campus. It will house students from all graduating classes, freshmen to seniors.

Students will move in over the next few weeks. Four summer student workers moved in Friday.

Bill Jack, a senior, was one of them. After getting a high number in the college’s residential lottery, he could have taken a large room in an old dorm. Instead, he and a roommate will share 209 square feet on the third floor.

“I like that it’s new,” he said.