Author: Ryan Strong
The College is looking into purchasing a set of villas on Colorado Boulevard, two and a half miles away from campus, as student housing. With 80 beds in total, the villas would be a college-sponsored, off-campus living option open to seniors and juniors and would also house two Residential Assistants, two Residential Education Staff Members and faculty.
“The owners of the building contacted an administrator,” Barbara Avery, Vice President for Student Affairs, said. The owners were trying to sell the units and pitched the property to several colleges, of which Occidental is the closest and most interested.
Administrators are calling it a great transition opportunity for upperclassmen but have not yet committed to the purchase.
“We’re investigating it,” Avery said. “We don’t know if there’s going to be student-interest.”
Avery said that there is a huge financial question and, therefore, the College has to be positive students will want to live there for years to come. The idea may be brought up at a General Assembly meeting as a way to test student interest.
There is also the issue of the distance of these villas and how students would be transported to and from campus.
The villas are recently constructed and have not yet been occupied.
“They’re very attractive,” Avery said. All of the units have two or more beds and bathrooms. All have patios and laundry facilities. Underground parking is available and there is a bus stop in front of the building.
The villas are located past Target, on Colorado. Ralphs and a Taco Bell are nearby.
Some RAs had a chance to tour the facility, and approved.
“I think the villas are a really good option for people who want to be a little more independent in their housing situation, yet have the security of knowing its good quality and reliable, since it’s through ResEd,” an RA, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
Students have had mixed reactions to the idea.
“I think its good as long as the spending does not interfere with spending on education,” Josh Luo (sophomore) said. “I prefer dormitories on campus because of access to the library.”
Junior Joseph Dingman thought the idea might be good depending on how much latitude and control Occidental exerted over the property. He also worried about finances and whether the College already has residence options similar to this one.
“Does Occidental really have the financial wherewithal to undertake another investment?” Dingman said. “It sounds like Rangeview with a kitchen.”
The College will survey many more students before making a decision to either decline or go forward with the purchase.
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