Spring Break
ResLife closes six apartment buildings
Demolition set to begin on Hensel University Apartments, July 1
By: Matt Woolbright
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: News
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Construction is set to begin July 1 and the units will be ready for occupancy Aug. 3, 2010. The entire process will result in 250 units in place of the current 72 units.
The Department of Residence Life has acknowledged that this is difficult for the students living there and has made accommodating offers for them.
"This is a big life change for them and I think whatever we can do to go the extra mile would be very beneficial," said Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications at Texas A&M.
The first option for the students living in the Hensel T and U buildings, who will be directly affected by this expansion, is transferring to another apartment in the University Apartments system. Residents will pay the same Hensel rental rates and will be receiving one month of free rent. The University has offered its maintenance staff to assist residents in moving furniture to their new apartment.
"No one will be displaced unless they choose to be," said Ron Sasse, the director of residence life.
The second option releases the resident from their contract early, resulting in the full refund of the security deposit; students will receive their last month of rent and electricity free.
Residents must notify the University of which option they are selecting by 5 p.m., April 15, and regardless of option choice, students must be moved out by 5 p.m., June 15.
The decision was made over the course of several years, said university officials. The plan will include new two bedroom/two bathroom and large two bedroom/one bathroom layouts.
"The great thing about it is this will be more in line with more traditional types of living spaces that you have in the community amenity wise," Cook said. "It's going to be a year and a half tight timeline of hardships, but ultimately it's going to be great for the graduate student community here on campus."
Letters were mailed out Friday, phone calls were made to residents affected Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the University Apartments' Community Center for students to come and ask questions.
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