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Michael D. Chason |
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IMMEDIATE SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
REGENTS APPROVE NEW FRESHMAN HOUSING AT ABAC
TIFTON--With
approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the no
vacancy sign for student housing has now been turned off at
The
Regents voted today to allow the ABAC Foundation to proceed with a $16.9
million project to build ABAC Lakeside, a 489-bed student housing project on
the shores of
“As we approach our 100th birthday, it seems like every day at ABAC is another history-making day,” ABAC President David Bridges said. “For us to continue our goals of excellence in everything we do and sustainable growth, this had to happen.
“I want to thank Chancellor (Erroll) Davis and the Regents for giving us the go-ahead on this project. I also want to applaud the ABAC Foundation trustees for their continued visionary approach to housing on this campus. It’s going to pay dividends for generations to come.”
ABAC Interim Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Gail Dillard said the college’s all time record enrollment of nearly 3,600 students this semester could have been even higher if more housing had been available.
“We
know for a fact that some students who did not get into
Dillard said the facility will combine residential and academic life with workshops on time management, relationships, and other transitional issues. She said tutoring will be available inside ABAC Lakeside, which will be located on an 8.78 acre tract leased by the University System to the ABAC Foundation. Parking spaces for 474 vehicles will be a part of the project.
“Our goal is to have students with similar interests staying on the same halls,” Dillard said. “That way they will be taking some of the same classes with their roommates.”
Dillard said the rooms at ABAC Lakeside will be split between private bedrooms and double occupancy rooms. Anticipated rent is $385 per month for singles and $330 a month for doubles. All leases will be 10 months.
The rooms will be in a suite arrangement with a kitchenette which includes a microwave, refrigerator, and sink. All utilities will be furnished as a part of the monthly rent, including wireless internet and cable television access.
ABAC Development Director Melvin Merrill said groundbreaking has been set for Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. He said the project is scheduled to be completed in time for freshman students to move in for the 2007 fall semester.
The
college presently houses 835 students at the $32 million
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