Construction of the Copley Quad student housing project got under way earlier this fall and the buildings are expected to be open for occupancy in August 2008.
The housing project is the first in a series of developments in Park University’s master plan, which was adopted in 2006, and it marks the first new housing construction on campus since 1969. The master plan includes eight development phases for new construction or renovation of existing structures, and calls for a total of 500 student new beds. The last phase is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
“We expect a rising demand for student housing, and this first phase of new construction will enable the university to respond to that need,” said Park President Beverley Byers-Pevitts. “The new buildings are designed to fit with our historic architecture and will be a welcomed addition to our campus.”
Each Copley Quad suite will include about 840 square feet of furnished living space, with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a shared living area with an efficiency kitchen. The halls will also boast 2,500 square feet of common space with a conference/classroom, staff offices, 24-hour reception desk, laundry facilities, recreational space, a full-service kitchen, computer labs and study rooms.
The location and design of the building will offer abundant views of the campus while reflecting the history of Copley Hall, the anchor of the new quad.
The halls were designed by Ellerbe Becket and Sinclair Hille Architects. Ellerbe Becket Construction Services, Inc. is the project manager. That aspect is unique – the fact that it’s design-led and design-build, said Ellerbe Becket project director John Poston.
“What we’re doing is truly an integrated design and construction effort, ” said Poston, who is director of Ellerbe Becket’s firm-wide higher education practice. “It means better control over both the construction outcome and the quality of the design.”
Ellerbe Becket began its relationship with Park University in the fall of 2005, as consultants on the master plan. In the fall of 2005, university representatives again worked with Ellerbe Becket to determine how and where the new buildings would best fit into the campus.
“We looked at a number of locations for student housing on campus and ended up where we ended up for distinct reasons,” Poston said. “It was equal distance between the community of Parkville, which provides certain opportunities to students, the academic core of the campus and athletic facilities. It was the nexus of those three important things.”
The design inspiration, he said, was taken from Copley Thaw Hall, the existing historic building that dominates that part of the campus. Copley was originally designed and used as a student residence hall. The building is very true to an Arts & Crafts style of architecture, Poston said, and the design of the new buildings will honor that.
Currently, about 265 currently live on the Parkville campus. In all, Park has 26,402 students enrolled at 43 campus centers in 21 states and online.
Established in 1875, Park University is a national leader in higher education and is distinguished by its innovative adult-degree completion programs. The University has 26,402 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs at 43 campuses located in 21 states and Online.
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and the construction industry, with office locations worldwide.
Contact: Stuart Smith, 1-816-360-4426
