PUC breaks ground for 2nd student housing structure; occupancy scheduled fall 2009

Less than three years after opening its first campus student housing facility, Purdue University Calumet broke ground Tuesday afternoon (4/22) for its second residential complex.

Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. and other representatives of the university staff and student body participated in the ceremonial event.

Construction of The University Village II, a $21.1 million, L-shaped structure with accommodations for 369 students in 99 furnished apartment units is taking place at the south end of campus. It will be erected directly east of the original University Village, which also offers fully furnished apartment living and has been filled to capacity with a waiting list the past two years.

With occupancy planned for The University Village II in time for the fall 2009 semester, Purdue Calumet will be able to accommodate 745 residential students.

“This project is important to us because, as we have learned, there are many students in and around northwest Indiana who care to be close to home and their jobs, but also want a residential campus experience,” Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen said. “Also, the growing number of international students who attend Purdue Calumet makes this new structure critical. What’s more, a growing residential campus community stimulates us to continue to build on the comprehensive array of services we make available to all students.”

Similar in accommodations to the existing University Village, the new structure will feature apartment suites comprised of a living room, kitchen, private bedrooms and semi-private bathrooms. There will be 86 four-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units and a one-bedroom unit for the assistant housing director.

“For the past three years, the overflowing demand for student housing has contributed to the growth and development of a vibrant campus,” Vice Chancellor for Student Services Melinda Dalgarn said. “Student housing has transformed our campus in new and exciting ways. This second facility will provide us with necessary accommodations to meet the needs and expectations of students who, whether near or far, desire to earn a Purdue degree at Purdue Calumet.”

She added that student housing has scored well on a Student Satisfaction Survey and has stimulated development of learning communities. “A well trained, passionate and committed residential staff of professionals and students adds to the experience,” she said, “as has a university commitment to well-maintained facilities.”

Student Facilities System Revenue Bonds will fund the project initially. The bonds will be repaid by student rent. Berglund Construction is the general contractor.

News Release Date: April 22, 2008