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News Release |
Regents Approve USD Residential Facilities PlanPIERRE – The South Dakota Board of Regents Thursday gave the go-ahead to a University of South Dakota plan to acquire a Vermillion apartment complex and make other improvements to its on-campus residential facilities. The USD plan comes after a system-wide residence hall study of campus needs and student housing preferences. “This plan signals a significant change in the quality and makeup of housing choices for USD students,” said Regents’ President Harvey C. Jewett. “For the first time, apartment-style housing for individual students will be offered on the Vermillion campus. Overall, the number of available housing units will increase by 3.4 percent.” USD plans to purchase the existing Brighton Heights apartment complex near the USD Fine Arts Building for about $2.2 million. Additional improvements, including a fire sprinkler system, furnishings, new locks, and networking equipment, will add an estimated $238,800 to the cost. “By acquiring Brighton Heights, the university adds 104 suite-style units in an excellent location to its housing mix,” Jewett said. “This building is relatively new and well maintained, with room for expansion, so the per-square-foot cost is comparatively low for nearly new housing.” In 2004-05, a $2 million expansion to build a wing on Brighton Heights would add 84 suite-style beds for upperclassmen. In addition, USD plans an extensive renovation of its existing residence halls to meet student demand. The renovations, estimated to cost about $9.6 million, call for various upgrades at each hall, including private bathrooms, lobby and study area remodeling, system upgrades, and new furniture. These improvements will begin next summer and be completed by the fall of 2006. “Bonding will be required for some of these projects, as well as adjustments in housing rates to help finance the improvements,” said Robert T. Tad Perry, the Regents’ executive director. An annual increase of 5 percent in single room rates and 6 percent for doubles over a three-year period is anticipated. -30- |
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