PNC Student/Market Housing Will Break Ground Oct. 5

Sentinel, sculpture by Rob Lorenson, demarcates site of future University Village.

WESTVILLE – A ceremonial groundbreaking for off-campus housing that will be available to Purdue University North Central students and members of the surrounding community will be Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m.

This unique off-campus housing development, owned and operated by South Coast LLC, will bring the development named University Village to property located directly across from the PNC campus, on the west side of U.S. Highway 421.

South Coast LLC, of Merrillville, principals are Harley Snyder of Valparaiso and Jim Combs of Merrillville, both experienced and successful real estate developers. South Coast LLC. will build, manage and maintain the development.

The first phase of housing will feature a clubhouse and four apartment buildings with 64 units featuring 48 two bedroom, two bath units and 16 three bedroom, three bath units. The series of apartments will be known as University Park at University Village and the first phase will be ready for its first residents by August 2005.

These apartments will be available for rent by students and the community, according to Combs. He explained that the spacious apartments will feature a washer and dryer in each unit and each bedroom will have a high-speed internet connection. There will be safe, easy access to the PNC campus across Highway 421 at an existing stoplight so that students can drive, walk or bicycle to class and home. Sidewalks will connect the campus and University Village.

Soon, University Village will also include 44 single-family homes and 12 duplex lots that will accommodate 24 living units. Also, a second phase of University Park at University Village will accommodate 96 more apartments for a total of 160 apartments.

“We call University Village a community for the ages as we will have students, PNC faculty and staff and residents of all ages and interests living in this community,” said Snyder. “This will have the feel of an established neighborhood. We believe our residents will enjoy living here and it will be an asset to our area.”

The complex will be served by municipal utilities. The residents will enjoy a clubhouse, exercise room, swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, lounge and multi-purpose room.

The groundbreaking event will include a number of local political, government and business leaders and community members.

“We are happy that our students will have this housing option,” said PNC Chancellor James B. Dworkin. “Many students and parents indicated to us there is a real need for PNC students to live close to campus for convenience as well as to enjoy an independent living experience. University Village makes that possible.”

No public funds will be used for this project and University Village residences will be open to students and community members.

“We will offer a tremendous living experience,” said Combs.

This development was enhanced by a generous donation of nine acres by the Kesling and Rocke Orthodontic Group to bring the total property acreage to 46 acres.

#