The overflow of USC students may now have another option for housing. According to an announcement at a Friday meeting of USC's board of trustees, one of several parking lots by the Colonial Life Arena could soon be a 500-bed on-campus housing complex, plus 60,000 feet of classroom space.
First, we have assurance that any parking space taken up by the building will be replaced.
Second, the price of this project will be $35 million, but there's no need to worry — USC is not the one forking over the money. The building will be constructed by a private contractor on USC property.
While details are still being worked out as to how profits will be split between USC and the private contractors, one thing is clear: The new accommodations will be another outlet to which the pressure of the student housing demand boom can be siphoned. As it stands, 99 percent of the dozen or so off-campus apartment complexes are already filled with USC students, a frighteningly high percentage for a student population that will inevitably expand in the coming years.
With 500 new beds, not only would students be able to have a new housing option in a good location, but there would also be new classroom space located away from the heart of campus but still close enough to campus as to not be isolated. This would be convenient for students who already do live off-campus and would also alleviate daily crowds at USC.
Though the project is still a while away and not completely solidified, we're optimistic. This new space would be a win-win-win situation for off-campus contractors, USC students and the university itself.