New student housing project is on the way
By Stephen Harrison, Director of University Housing
Coastal Carolina University leaders have long believed that excellent student housing is key to the mission of the University and have been actively adding to and renewing our student housing since our first residence hall, The Woods, was completed in 1987. The next major step forward in the development of on-campus housing is slated to open by the fall of 2014 on the Elvington property, located between S.C. 544 and campus behind the new Student Recreation/Convocation Center.
The new student housing will likely open with around 600 beds for fall 2014. The total project, however, will include 1,270 beds for first-year students. This new housing will enable first year students to be on main campus and open up University Place for second year as well as for upperclassmen. Main campus housing will provide more engagement for students coming into a campus environment for the first time and will allow for closer access to classrooms and student services. Student success is closely related to community involvement, engagement in campus activities and a living environment conducive to learning and within a close proximity to campus.
As with all major construction projects on campus, a committee was formed to select the architect of record. A specific state process must be followed to select qualified architectural firms to design and manage the construction of the entire project to strict university standards and specifications. Upon State approval to proceed with the design phase of the project, the architects will be designing a home for our future students, and we've asked them to focus on excellent resident rooms, welcoming community spaces for socializing and studying, and, most importantly, a building where residents feel safe and secure. A programming committee will be working with the architect to make sure all desired design elements and required spaces are incorporated into the project. The new student housing will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. LEED Silver achievement is a requirement of new construction for South Carolina state agencies.
In addition to the student residences, the Elvington property will also be home to the new University Housing administrative offices.
The new housing will be operated by University housing, as is University Place.
As we move forward with this construction project, please be patient with the noise and disruption. Remember that a small inconvenience now will enable the University to make leaps forward in the future.
