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News |
Michael D. Chason |
IMMEDIATE AUGUST 21, 2007
ABAC
TIFTON
- Green and gold balloons will fill the air on Sept. 10 when Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College dedicates a new
489-bed housing complex called ABAC Lakeside on the north shore of Lake
Baldwin. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. inside the main lobby of the $17
million facility.
Students
began moving into the building on Aug. 15 in preparation for the start of fall
term classes at ABAC on Aug. 20. Construction on the site began Oct. 23,
2006 when ABAC President David Bridges and ABAC Foundation Board of Trustees
Chair Ruth Raines pushed a plunger which set off a small charge of dynamite.
The
ABAC Foundation leased 8.78 acres from the University System of Georgia for the
project, which was funded by selling bonds. The suites inside the
building have a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchenette with microwave,
refrigerator and sink. The suites are equally divided between single and
double occupancy.
All
suites have 10-month leases with twice per year rent payments at the start of
the fall and spring terms. The rent includes all utilities, wireless
internet, and cable television access.
Parking spaces for 474 vehicles were also a part of the project, which is located directly across Lake Baldwin from ABAC Place, an 835-bed complex which opened in 2004 and has been completely filled ever since.
ABAC Lakeside is the first housing at the college devoted entirely to freshmen. Residents involved in learning communities within the complex combine residential and academic life with workshops on time management, relationships, and other transitional issues.
Ambling University Development Group was the developer on the project. ABAC Director of Housing Bernice Hughes said every room at ABAC Lakeside is filled.
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