A ceremonial groundbreaking will take place Friday, April 11 at 11 a.m. to kick-off the new privatized housing project. State and University officials, dignitaries and students will be on-hand to help commemorate the ceremony. Though actual groundbreaking is not scheduled until June. University officials are trying to involve students with the project before the close of the spring semester.
“We wanted to do something while the students were still here to make them a little more aware of what was coming,” Mike Davis, assistant vice-president for procurement and physical plant operations, said.
“This is going to be a tremendous addition to the University,” he said.
Collegiate Development Services of Irving, Texas is the project developer. The project plans include seven three-story buildings that will accommodate approximately 408 beds. The mixture of rooms will include 24 two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments, as well as 90 four-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments. The amenities may also include private parking, a clubhouse, a computer lab and a fitness center. The doors are expected to open to students in January of 2004.
According to Davis, the price of the housing will depend greatly on the economy, as well as last minute additions that may be added to the project.
“Collegiate Development contracted with a company called Price Waterhouse to do surveys of the students in the student union,” Davis said. “One of the things that came back was that the students were very interested in a swimming pool that had not been included in the developments.”
If a swimming pool is placed in the development, rent may altered. At this time, rent will range from approximately $400 to $450 per student per month. This price includes all utilities, furnishings and an in-room washer and dryer. The pool will also include a public room that various organizations will be able to book for parties or receptions.
Eugene Dial, vice president of student affairs, believes the new privatized housing will bring juniors and seniors back to campus living.
“Offering those folks an opportunity to live on-campus will add a new dimension to the campus community,” Dial said.
Dial’s feedback from students, thus far, includes excitement for the apartment-style living on-campus. The positive comments that Dial has been approached with display the desire to get involved on-campus, walk to classes and use campus facilities while remaining minutes away from home.
“I think it’s an exciting time for the University because I see students wanting to participate in campus activities, but it costs money and time to drive back and forth,” Dial said. “I think we’re going to free students up for more time for school work and extra curricular activities.”