In the start of the new semester, progress with the Campus Town project is finally becoming apparent as the demolition begins near the College’s main entrance.
Initially expected to be completed by fall 2014, various complications have set the project back one year, according to Stacy Schuster, associate vice president for college relations.
“A variety of issues caused the project delays, including the negotiation of an agreement with Barnes and Noble,” Schuster said. “Issues included resolving details of the Barnes and Noble store fit out, cost and operating parameters.”
According to the Campus Town website, demolition and site work is expected to take place this fall, while the building foundations and construction will start in early spring of 2014.
While the site work around campus may not seem very active, construction is well underway and behind-the-scenes planning is ongoing in regard to the appropriate regulations required for the design of the buildings.
More concrete plans for the layout of the town, including the layout of the student housing complexes which will be made available through Campus Town, have been updated.
“The latest information from the developer is that they are expecting to lease to a convenience store, a sandwich shop, a sushi shop, a yogurt shop and a brew pub,” Schuster said. “In addition, there will be a Barnes and Noble and a fitness center open to students.”
Students at the College will have the opportunity to rent fully-furnished apartments that included a small kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, stove, microwave and refrigerator to cook. The apartment floor plans also include a washer and dryer.
Students living in Campus Town can also purchase meal plans.
Although it is considered on-campus housing, the housing lottery system will not apply to Campus Town, since housing is being offered by a private company, according to the Campus Town website.
“The design has evolved over time,” Schuster said. “Changes have included increased number of housing units and beds, increased parking, changes to the building footprints and lay-outs, changes to the building heights and location of roadways and pathways. The latest design is an improvement over the earlier designs.”
