ASHLEIGH MATTERN
Editor-in-Chief
Â
   The new student residences in the College Quarter will include green space; paths for pedestrians and cyclists; environmentally friendly windows, faucets, toilets and appliances; a fully wheelchair accessible building; and several wheelchair accessible suites.
   The plans for the first undergraduate residences to be built on campus in 30 years were unveiled at a press conference and “mantle chiseling” on Feb. 8.
   Donning construction hats and gloves, key supporters of the College Quarter development took turns chipping a piece off the mantle that will be housed over the fireplace in the new residences. Honorary stone masons included University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon, Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris and Karl Miller from Meridian Development Corporation.
   Also on hand at the press conference were past and present members of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union executive, who Richard Florizone, U of S vice-president finances and resources and emcee of the event, said were integral to getting the project off the ground.Â
   “Rental housing is not something that is easy to build,” said Florizone. “The reason is that rents just don’t keep pace with construction costs.” He went on to explain that the only way for universities like the U of S to complete such a project is through funding and partnerships.
   The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation provided $15 million and the City of Saskatoon gave $5,000 per unit for a total of $575,000. The rest of the $35.9 million project will be paid through mortgages.
   To be built just off Cumberland Avenue, the two apartment-style buildings will house 400 undergraduate students in two, three and four-bedroom suites. While rent hasn’t been set for the residences, Greg Fowler, U of S director of consumer services, says they are aiming to charge $500 per student, per month. This projected price is higher than rent at Seager Wheeler for example, which Fowler says sits just under $400, but the students will be paying more for the newer, better suites.
   Norris pointed out that the new residences wouldn’t only benefit U of S students.
   “With the new spaces that are going to be opened up here on campus, we’ll be serving the students but we’re also serving the broader community,” he said, “allowing for more housing to be available right across Saskatoon.”
   Also not lost on the presenters was the importance of affordable, available housing for international students.Â
   USSU president Warren Kirkland echoed MacKinnon’s sentiments, saying international students find it more difficult to find housing than students who know the city.
   Meridian Development is also the business behind the renovated King George Hotel and the Luxe on Broadway.
   Miller said building plans for the residences have been in the works for almost a year. “Normally it doesn’t take that long,” he said, adding that the length of time it took to develop reflects the input they received from students, university administration and the Facilities Management Division.
   “We’re excited to get going officially with the construction,” said Miller. “We’re not just creating residences, but creating homes for students.”
   The residences are planned to be completed for September 2011.Â