MATT CAPOWSKI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sun Mechanical Construction worker Larry Jeffers reads through blueprints for the Highland Commons complex at the construction site off of East Sixth Street. Construction will begin in June on the commons, which will add 770 more beds to the UA campus.

Residence hall will offer study, dining, workout facilities

When a planned $39.7 million residence hall complex is ready for students in two years, officials hope it will help alleviate a housing crisis that is forcing many freshmen into off-campus housing.

Although ground will not be broken on Highland Commons until later this month, and the hall is not scheduled to be open to students until 2004, a spokesperson for Swain Associates LTD - architects for the project - said plans are coming along nicely, though slowly.

Construction will begin in June on the commons, which will add 770 more beds to the UA campus. The proposed project will be built on North Highland Avenue between East Fourth Street and East Sixth Street.

"Hopefully, the Highland Commons will stop the housing shortage," said Residence Life Director Jim Van Arsdel. "But we most likely won't have to put anyone in hotels again."

The new dorm, which will be similar to La Paz Residence Hall built in 1995, will have an open-air environment, with open hallways, balcony areas and courtyards.

Besides the outdoor features, the new housing complex will house many interior amenities that will offer an "urban edge" and create a "home away from home," said Debra Johnson, senior architect for Facilities Design and Construction.

"The new facility will have larger rooms with bigger closet spaces, Ethernet access in every room, and obviously, all new furniture and equipment," she said.

The complex will also allow students to study, eat and workout without leaving the premises.

It is yet to be decided how many computers the complex's new lab will have, but Johnson, who is heading the project, she says hopes that it will be extensive.

Johnson estimates that it may take 25 years to fully finish the redesign of the area, although most of the Commons' projects will be completed within the next few years.

Several student services, including Campus Health Services, the Disability Related Resources Center and UA Life and Work Connections will also relocate to the residence hall.

In addition to the commons, a 1,600-space parking garage is being constructed along Fourth Street between Santa Rita Avenue and Highland Avenue.

At least half of the garage will be open for use beginning this fall. A new building to house Parking and Transportation Services will also be constructed in the area.

"Thank God the university is finally building something worthwhile," said pre-education sophomore Mandy Holm.

"What students want is parking and living - not more space for burger joints."