SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The first phase of a major development project to upgrade all of Shippensburg University's on-campus residences is complete.
The three-phase project, which will cost an estimated $200 million, continued with the groundbreaking of the second phase Friday afternoon.
The first phase, which cost $70 million, included three new housing residences, which will accommodate 924 students with semi-suite and full-suite floor plans, multi-purpose areas, as well as study and social loungers. One of the buildings also includes a 13,000 square foot wellness center, and a second provides a new home for the university's honors program.
The second phase, which is expected to cost $65 million, will include building three additional new housing complexes on campus and is expected to be finished by fall 2014.
"The completion of the first phase of this project brings the university one step closer to reaching our goal of providing top-quality housing to all our students," said Bill Ruud, president of Shippensburg University. "The living, social, and study spaces of phase one will foster a living-learning environment for students, and we look forward to expanding these amenities through the second phase of this milestone project."
The entire project is under the direction and ownership of Shippensburg University Student Services, Inc. (SUSSI), an independent non-profit organization that serves as the voice for the student community. SUSSI partnered with Campus Apartments to design, develop, and finance the project.
The entire project is expected to be completed by fall 2015.
