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Springfield, MO
United Ministries in Higher Education requested a conditional use permit for a floor area ratio increase, which would allow for the construction of a four-story housing development for MSU students. The ministry hopes to break ground next month on the proposed 52,990-square-foot building at 608 S. Florence Ave., said project architect Brent Stevens, principal at H Design Group LLC.
“Basically, a floor area ratio increase allows a slightly higher increase in square footage for the building than is allowed by zoning ordinance,” said Stevens. “In urban planning, we try to be a little more dense.”
The building’s design calls for first-floor office space and a gathering space to be occupied by United Ministries, with four-bedroom, two-bedroom and one-bedroom units that can house 122 students, he said. Howard Cavner, campus minister for United Ministries, told council members the housing project was in planning for a year.
“Our goal is to offer a housing product and values-added living environment for Missouri State students that will enhance their whole higher education experience,” Cavner said. “The added values will include community service, spirituality, care of the earth, citizenship and self-improvement.”
Miller-O’Reilly Co. Inc. is developer of the proposed project, said Steve Monsanto, project manager for general contractor Build LLC. Should council approve the conditional use permit on Oct. 4, construction is expected to be complete in summer 2011.
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