Construction delays mean that hundreds of graduate students won’t be able to move into the University’s 15-building Lakeside housing complex by the end of August, as originally scheduled. Instead, occupancy is expected from sometime in the fall through the end of the semester, according to Andrew Kane, executive director of housing and real estate services. Lakeside will house 715 people in 329 units on the site of the former Hibben and Magie apartments along Lake Carnegie.
With housing contracts expiring June 30, the University offered several options to grad students assigned to Lakeside. Students moving from other residences, including the Graduate College, are being housed in the Butler or Stanworth apartments until Lakeside units are available.
Because of the inconvenience to grad students, Kane said, the University has offered moving and financial assistance, including waiving two months’ rent for students moving to Lakeside, and flexibility in moving dates. Sean Edington, Graduate Student Government president, said grad students were “dismayed” by the delay but appreciate that the University “has taken all apparent reasonable steps” to minimize the impact. Harsh winter weather was one factor cited for the delay.
The new schedule means a temporary reprieve for the 68-year-old Butler apartments, scheduled to be torn down after the last residents move out. Demolition is now expected early next year.