n response to record fall enrollment at Coastal Carolina University, construction will begin sooner than originally planned on Phase 2 of University Place, a state-of-the-art residential facility for students located on S.C. 544 about half a mile from campus.

Original plans called for occupancy of the second phase of the complex to be completed in 2005, but phenomenal growth in fall enrollment at Coastal has prompted an acceleration in the original timetable.

Freshman admissions were capped this year because of unprecedented growth. As of Sept. 11, a total of 6,182 students are attending Coastal this semester, and 1,270 of those are freshmen. Some 1,831 students live in university housing, which includes on-campus residence halls and University Place.

The first phase of University Place, which houses 517 students, opened its doors last month, and there is a waiting list. Phase 2 will provide housing for 470 more students.

Final negotiations are in progress, and construction is slated to begin within weeks so that the facility will be ready for students in fall 2004.

University Place was developed through a partnership established by the Coastal Carolina Student Housing Foundation and the Residence Group, LLC; ownership of the property will revert to the university in 30 years. The Coastal Carolina Student Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to provide student housing and to support Coastal Carolina University.