Groundbreaking is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, for Coastal Carolina University's new Student Housing Complex located behind the HTC Center. President David A. DeCenzo, the University's board of trustees and the offices of Student Affairs and Student Housing will be represented.

The $85 million complex will include four residence halls that will provide 1,270 beds. Construction of the facility for first-year students will take place on a three-year, multiphase schedule. The residence halls will be arranged in "communities" of four suites grouped around a common social space. In addition, each building will include a community wing with a large lounge, laundry, multipurpose room, resident director office and apartment, workroom and recycling center.

The placement of the four buildings on the site allows for development of a large green space that accommodates two existing ponds and a stand of mature oak and maple trees. The new housing will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Quackenbush Architects + Planners are the designers for the project.

This housing project will help meet the University's Strategic Plan to grow to 12,500 students.