June 13, 2022 - Eastern Florida State College broke ground Monday on its second Residence Hall on the Melbourne Campus to meet the growing demand from students who want to live and study there.
College leaders and students celebrated the event during a ceremony on the site where the 96-bed facility will be built adjacent to the first Residence Hall that opened in 2020.
Construction is scheduled for completion next summer with students moving in for the start of Fall Term classes in August 2023.
“This is another great day for the college as we continue building facilities to meet the academic needs of students and provide them a way to enjoy EFSC’s rich collegiate experience,” said college President Dr. Jim Richey.
“Since our first Residence Hall opened its doors two years ago, we’ve had long waiting lists for students who want to move in. That makes now the right time to expand our student housing in Melbourne.”
Richey also noted that a 10-year master plan for the Cocoa Campus unveiled In April calls for investing $87 million in new academic buildings and student housing like the units in Melbourne.
“Students told us they want to live on the Cocoa Campus too, and we heard them loud and clear. The housing will be a wonderful addition there and make the campus a real destination for students in Central Brevard County,” said Richey.
Students greeted the start of construction on the new housing with excitement, saying living on campus is a major plus.
"You get the entire college experience. You get to live in such a centralized area, close to classes and in a nice area that is close to everything. The beach is 15 minutes away which is nice to go and have fun with your friends," said current student housing resident Makenzie Fore.
The new three-story building will mirror the first building and consist of 24 suites that each contain four individual bedrooms, two bathrooms, a shared kitchen and common living area. Parking and security will be provided.
The housing will be available to all full-time students with housing rules governed by the college’s Student Code of Conduct.
Rental costs will be determined as the new project moves forward. Currently, students pay $7,000 in rent for an academic year that includes the Fall and Spring terms, with Summer term available for an extra add-on fee.
The $8 million project will be financed through a conventional bank loan. The building will be constructed by the M. H. Williams Construction Group of Melbourne.
Students interested in more information on the Residence Hall can contact Lena Copeland, Director of Support Services, at copelandl@easternflorida.edu or (321) 433-5631.
Original source can be found here.
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