Oswego (WSYR-TV) - For the first time in 40 years, Oswego State has brand-new housing ready to open to students. "The Village" is comprised of 68 townhouses.
The state-of-the-art, and green, building project is almost finished. Only finishing touches remain. Dr. Rick Kollenda, of the University's Residence Life and Housing department, says that so far students have had a favorable response. "Only 348 beds, and we had well over 500 students who signed up to live here," he said.
Each townhouse has four to six single rooms, and individualized security. "We have a push button on each bedroom so you have your own pin code to get into a bedroom," said project coordinator Allen Bradberry.
The units share bathrooms, kitchens, and living space. Perhaps the best part is a community center with an Adirondack Lodge feel. It includes the appropriate woodwork, café, study space, and a rec-room. The pool table is expected to arrive Tuesday.
"I think there's gonna be a wow factor," said Kollenda.
The Village is built so everyone uses the same walkway, in order to maintain a feeling of community for the student residents. "They were looking at developing their own community within the campus community and I think that's been achieved.
A few hundred more students want to live on campus this year, and that exactly what the University wants.
The project was 10-years in the making.
The public is invited to an open house for The Village Thursday from noon to 7:00 p.m. Students move in August 28.
