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Officials break ground for YSU apartments
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel called it an historic event at an exciting time at the university.
Construction is expected to start soon on a 162-bed, four-story privately owned student housing complex. Officials staged a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday morning.
“This link to the neighborhoods and the downtown is exciting for us,” the president said.
The $7.8 million complex, called University Edge, is being built on university-owned property on Rayen Avenue between Fifth and Belmont avenues by Hallmark Campus Communities of Columbus and Fortress Real Estate Co. of Atlanta.
YSU trustees approved a 40-year ground lease with the companies for the project.
“It gives students the opportunity to have more living quarters and a sense of community,” Tressel said.
The companies involved see YSU’s potential, he said.
Richard Kirk, president and chief executive officer of Hallmark, said the company has had an eye on YSU for student housing for a long time.
The company has developed similar projects at Kent State University, the University of Akron and the University of Toledo.
Kirk said the company hopes the student apartment complex is the first phase in a multiphase project.
Jack Tzagournis, Fortress president, whose father is a Youngstown native, said he’s excited about the project.
The new project will bring to 1,700 the number of student beds available in three private apartments, five residence halls and Courtyard Apartments which is owned by the university.
University officials said the number of students living on campus this year is up 14 percent from last year.
Student Ashley Orr, president of the Student Government Association, said that more students living on campus generates improved campus life and future growth.