Lake Campus breaks ground on apts.

Van Wert independent/Lake Campus information

CELINA – Wright State University-Lake Campus held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to commence the construction of campus apartments. On the heels of a $9 million construction and renovation project in 2009 and several years of record high enrollment, campus housing is the next initiative to support continuing campus growth.

Approximately 50 people gathered to celebrate this momentous event.

“The Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF) carried out the vision of on-campus apartments, making this dream a reality,” said WOEF Development Officer Tom Knapke. The WOEF owns the land where the apartments will be built and also financed the entire project through The People’s Bank Company of Coldwater.

The apartments will sit just west of campus and will be viewable from James F. Dicke Hall, where the ceremony was held. Phase 1 of the construction project will consist of one apartment building that will house 32 students.

Designed as townhouse-style structures, each apartment will have 4-5 individual bedrooms, a living room, full kitchen, two bathrooms, and the first building will have a lakeside view. The apartments will be furnished with chairs, a couch, end tables, beds, and desks. Utilities including cable TV, Internet and phone line are included in the cost.

H.A. Dorsten Inc. of Minster will manage the rigorous construction schedule. Weather permitting, the first on-campus apartment building should be ready for fall quarter.

Knapke said the project would not be possible without the community’s involvement.

“The Lake Campus is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals in our local businesses and community, helping make this project affordable and attractive to our students.”