By Denton Josey, Page Editor
Students have a new option for housing next year.
The Abilene City Council unanimously approved a request by Campus Crest Development, a housing company based in North Carolina, to purchase land and construct a new apartment complex.
Construction for new apartments for college students will begin in late October on the southwest corner of Judge Ely Boulevard and Interstate 20, near Abilene Christian High School.
According to notes from a city council meeting, The Grove at Abilene apartments will cost approximately $10 million.
David Todd, engineer for the project, said plans are to finish in time for the fall semester of school next year. Ten housing complexes and a clubhouse will be built.
The company has housing complexes across the nation in New Mexico, Georgia and North Carolina. They each boast a high-speed Internet cafe, 24/7 workout room, coffee bar and tanning beds. There is also a game room and flat screen TVs in the clubhouse.
Each of the fully furnished 2 or 3 bedroom apartments has a full kitchen, bathrooms attached to each room and a washer and dryer. Cable and wireless-internet are included in the package, and leases are based per individual and utility costs are included.
Rent for the existing Grove apartments averages $440 per person for a 3-bedroom and $500 per person for a 2-bedroom.
Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, was at the City Council meeting when zoning was discussed. He voiced concern about the traffic problems it may bring.
“We just thought putting 500 cars out at that exit was a real traffic hazard for everybody involved,” McCaleb said. “It’s kind of a recipe for accidents.”
Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief, said he didn’t have any specific crime concerns regarding the complex.
“Traffic increases from the apartment complex, while that does concern me, I don’t think crime would be anywhere close to what Wal-Mart and the surrounding area has brought to Ambler.”
