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News Release

Last modified: Friday, September 22, 2006

IU Trustees approve housing for IU South Bend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 22, 2006

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Students at Indiana University South Bend soon will be able to live on campus and walk or ride bicycles to class.

The Indiana University Board of Trustees today (Sept. 22) approved the first phase of student housing to be built on 26.5 acres of property on the south bank of the St. Joseph River. The housing site is linked to the main campus on the north bank of the river by a pedestrian bridge.

The plan for the $20.3 million housing project features a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom apartment-style units to house approximately 400 students. The furnished apartments will include full baths, full kitchens with dishwashers, microwaves, stoves and refrigerators.

Parking for more than 300 cars will be provided.

The complex also will include a community building that will feature meeting and study rooms, an activities room, computer access areas, laundry and vending.

Chancellor Una Mae Reck said there has long been a need for on-campus housing at IU South Bend because it draws a number of students from outside the immediate South Bend area. She anticipates the university will have no trouble filling the apartments when they open in the fall of 2008.

"Our students have been asking for a student housing option since the 1980s," Reck said. "The campus is very excited about today's historic decision and what it means to the future of IU South Bend."

Student housing is expected to add nearly $1.2 million a year to the local economy.

Approval of the housing plan must also be given by the Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Committee. Both will meet to consider the plan later this fall.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2007 with completion in June 2008. A second phase for additional housing could begin as early as 2010 for occupancy in the fall of 2011.

Funding for the project comes from $18.6 million in bonds and campus funds.

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