From the Ground Up: University Suites

Owner/developer: Bryan Properties
General contractor: Morelock-Ross Builders Inc.
Architect: Bates & Associates
Engineers: Anderson Engineering Inc., civil; Wells & Scaletty LLC, structural; Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 38,000 square feet
Estimated construction cost: $3.3 million
Lender: Empire Bank
Estimated completion date: Aug. 1
Project description: On the campus of Drury University, the 72-bed student residence features private bedrooms in four-bedroom suites, with each including a kitchen, laundry and living room, according to Morelock-Ross project manager Robin Newhart, who noted the building is being constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum standards. Mark Miller, Drury’s director of media relations, said the school’s agreement with Bryan Properties developer Bryan Magers stipulates that the school will manage the property for up to 25 years, while Magers collects rents and pays the debt service. At the end of the 25-year period, property ownership transfers to the school, though Drury has an option to take ownership and loan-service payments after 15 years.

Send project info to bbrown@sbj.net.