WHAT The University of Oregon will celebrate the start of construction on a new apartment complex designed expressly for graduate students.

WHERE East 15th Avenue between Moss and Villard streets.

WHO • Dave Frohnmayer, UO President

• Mike Eyster, director, Office of University Housing

• Dan Williams, UO vice president for administration

• Representatives from the UO School of law and Graduate School

The new residence hall will feature single residence units designed for graduate students, including 72 one-bedroom apartments and studios.

The concept for single-unit apartments targeted for graduate students came out of a brainstorming session between Mike Eyster, director of UO housing, and the UO law school’s director of admissions.

"Subsequent meetings with housing staff and graduate students made it clear that having quiet and affordable housing for the mature graduate student is something we need at the UO," says Eyster. "Graduate students have unique needs, and we’re excited to be building a facility that meets those needs."

The project, designed by the gLAs Architectural Group of Eugene, was approved in June by the State Board of Higher Education. The $4.5 million project will be financed with state bonds, which will be repaid with rent revenue generated from the complex and housing office funds. The complex is targeted for occupancy in fall 2001.

Rental rates for the new apartments have not been determined, but Eyster says they will be below market rates.

Construction will begin soon after the Nov. 3 deadline for submission of contractor bids.

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