SOU breaks ground on residence hall and dining commons project
Southern Oregon University (SOU) in Ashland, Oregon, US has broken ground on residence hall and dining commons project known as the North Campus Village.
The project will be the largest construction project ever in Ashland and will be carried out in various phases. It has been designed by SERA Architect and will be developed by American Campus Communities.
Work will involve construction of a 89,433 square feet north residence hall housing 273 beds and 78 suite-style apartments. It will be followed by construction of another residence hall facing Ashland Street spanning 105,039 square feet. The property will feature nearly 430 beds and 135 semi-suite, apartment-style rooms. Lastly, there will be construction of a 27,800 square feet dining and community hall. The building will encompass a single level.
The semi-suite is likely to house freshmen and sophomores whereas juniors and seniors will occupy the suite hall. The suite-style rooms will more spacious and will consist of a kitchenette and various other amenities.
The school will strike a 40-year, ground-lease deal with Collegiate Housing Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and American Campus Communities to fund the project. Further, Collegiate Housing Foundation has received nearly $56.6 million in tax-exempt housing revenue bonds from the Oregon Facilities Authority to finance the project. SOU will partly fund the dining and commons area via Oregon University System.
The buildings are expected to be completed in 2013 end.
