Controversial Utah Student Housing Project Breaks Ground
The project now named The Green on Campus Drive, reportedly valued at approximately $100 million, will consist of five buildings with 1,605 beds—single-occupancy rooms for residents—as well as a parking structure.
OREM, UT—Construction has finally begun on the controversial more than 1,600-bed student housing project adjacent to Utah Valley University here.
The project, being developed by Provo, UT-based PEG Companies and the Woodbury Corp. of Salt Lake City had been delayed since the fall of 2017 due to local opposition that successfully put the issue to a referendum. However, Orem voters approved Proposition 5 in November 2018 that granted approval for the development to move forward.
The project now named The Green on Campus Drive, reportedly valued at approximately $100 million, will consist of five buildings with 1,605 beds—single-occupancy rooms for residents—as well as a parking structure. Additionally, as part of the joint venture between developers PEG and Woodbury Corporation, the project will include the donation and construction of a pedestrian tunnel to allow for direct walkable access to campus, which will significantly reduce traffic congestion around the university—an area known for transportation gridlock and frequent crashes. Project critics had complained about the traffic impact the project would have on the local area.
The first three buildings of The Green on Campus Drive are tentatively scheduled to open in Fall 2020, with the remaining two buildings to follow in Fall 2021. R&O Construction is the general contractor and Humphreys & Partners Architects is working on the design of the development.
The UVU Student Housing project initiative was launched years ago when former UVU President Matthew Holland approached PEG asking for help solving the severe shortage of student housing the university faced. Market research showed current student housing facilities around the university collectively accommodate for less than 13% of the 39,931 students enrolled, forcing a large majority of UVU students to commute from across the Wasatch Front or independently find their own lodging away from campus.
“We truly appreciate PEG and Woodbury’s commitment to building a student housing complex on this land,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “This student housing development will look, feel and function like on-campus housing and allow our students the benefit of easily accessing the services, programs and activities of our university.”
“While building a housing community that allows for an easy, safe walk onto campus was always our number one priority, we are proud to have created a development that will also improve traffic, reduce Orem City’s carbon footprint and help UVU come closer to completing its master plan,” said Soren Halladay, chief investment officer at PEG.