GSW Moves Forward With Residence Hall Construction
10/20/2005
$30 million project will add suite and apartment-style accommodations
AMERICUS--Georgia Southwestern State University has taken another important step toward building modern living accommodations for new students.
Oct. 20, trustees of the Georgia Southwestern Foundation, Inc., voted unanimously to support the estimated $30 million project that will add 634 beds to the campus during the next two years. A limited liability corporation, or LLC, formed through the Foundation, is facilitating the process.
"We are pleased and thankful for the support of the Georgia Southwestern Foundation, whose committed staff and volunteers have been instrumental in helping us to make this dream a reality," said President Michael L. Hanes, Ph.D. "This is a proud day for the University, and for so many alumni, friends and supporters who are dedicated to aiding the positive growth and evolution of our institution. We move forward with enthusiasm and gratitude."
The project, which will be financed by tax-exempt bonds, was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Oct. 12, Hanes said. The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority is serving as the conduit for the bond issue. The bonds, through Wachovia, will be paid off from funds generated by student housing fees, Hanes said.
"I don't remember a larger bond finance project in Sumter County in years," said Jimmy Skipper, a Foundation trustee and attorney coordinating legal aspects of the effort.
The two-phase project will first build a 403-bed housing complex adjacent to the James Earl Carter Library, Hanes said. The three-story, 108,000 square foot facility will offer freshmen suite-style living accommodations, and is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2006.
The second phase constructs a 231-bed apartment-style living center on the north side of campus, near the new Student Success Center, Hanes said. The three-story, 81,000 square foot facility will feature apartment living for upperclassmen. Construction is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2007.
"Today's college students expect a certain level of comfort and convenience in their on-campus living arrangements," Hanes said. "This bold step forward symbolizes our commitment to remain competitive with other institutions, and continue attracting high achieving students. This gives students one more good reason to earn an education at GSW."
GSW and the Georgia Southwestern Foundation have been working with Hendessi and Associates, an Atlanta-based company that has helped other University System of Georgia institutions expand their housing offerings.