A second college in North Central Arkansas is preparing to offer campus housing for its students.
North Arkansas College in Harrison reports in its foundation newsletter the board of trustees has endorsed moving forward on a partnership with Bluffstone LLC, a student housing development company based in Davenport, Iowa.
The total projected cost of the planned development is about $5.2 million, with $1.1 million in private equity and $4.1 million in private financing. The project would include Pioneer Villas, the housing unit, the student center and a new entrance to the college. The college would guarantee an annual occupancy rate. The exact rate and other details will be determined in the final lease agreement.
Pioneer Villas would be a single, three-story apartment building with a 3,000-square-foot student services center. The hall would include 27 units or 108 beds. Room types will include two- and four-bedroom suites. Each bedroom will include a private bathroom, and suites are equipped with full kitchens and will be fully furnished.
A 3,000-square-foot student center will include manager offices, study rooms, and a fitness center.
Pioneer Villas would sit atop a parcel of land located on eight acres between U.S. Highway 62-65 Business or Main Street and Pioneer Drive. A new boulevard and college entrance would lead from Main Street and emerge at the current baseball field.
The goal is to have the new residence hall available for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Bluffstone reportedly builds two to three residence halls for colleges annually.
In June, Ozarka College in Melbourne became only the state’s second two-year college to offer residence halls/student housing.
Arkansas State University-Beebe is the only other two-year school among the state’s 22 colleges offering campus housing, according to the CollegeSimply website.
Ownership of Delta Hills Apartments in Melbourne was transferred to Ozarka College, effective June 1st.
The apartments are within sight of the Colleges Melbourne campus and a short walk from classes.
Act 556 of 2017 authorizes two-year colleges in Arkansas to have residence halls for the first time.
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