F OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Larry Kelley
Vice President of Administration and Finance
(805) 756-2171
Construction Begins on Cal Poly's Largest Student Housing Project
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Construction work is beginning on Poly Canyon Village , the nation's largest on-campus student housing project ever.
Construction on the 2,700-bed project begins with the clearing and grading of 30 acres of land just north of Brizzolara Creek and the access road to the new complex. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in fall of 2008 by Clark Construction, headquartered in Bethesda , MD. Clark has moved their construction trailers to campus as they prepare for the work to begin. A formal ground-breaking is being planned for later in the spring.
The design of Poly Canyon Village provides for three residential village or neighborhood areas to house approximately 2,700 students. The complex includes two parking structures totaling 1,900 parking spaces, commercial 'village' areas with retail and food service space, and a recreation center with a swimming pool.
"The project offers a unique opportunity to create a 21st-century living and learning community that will bring students back on campus," said Vice President of Administration and Finance Larry Kelley.
Kelley also pointed out the positive effects the project will have on the students and the community. "In addition to meeting our commitment to students, we believe this project will also benefit the community by easing the pressure on local housing and reducing the number of daily auto trips to campus."
Last May, California State University Trustees voted to issue $299 million in bonds for construction of the project. The price of the project includes the cost to relocate College of Agriculture facilities, upgrade the electrical substation in the area, and upgrade sewer, water, roads and bridges. Rent from future student tenants will repay the bond financing, Kelley explained.
With about 3,500 students currently living on campus, the project will almost double that number, bringing the total number of students living on campus to 6,200.
Details and updates on the progress of the project will be posted on the Cal Poly Facilities Planning Web site at: http://www.facilities.calpoly.edu/homefp.htm .
For more details about Clark Construction, visit the company's Web site at:
http://www.clarkconstruction.com/ .
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