EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) – Downtown student housing is finally a reality and now open in Eugene as Lane Community College cut the ribbon today on its brand new "Titan Court" building.
The six floor Titan Court is now open as college reps and city officials took of a tour of it on Tuesday, September 18th, 2012. Already, more than 100 students are living inside. The building is a first for Lane Community College and the first student housing in downtown Eugene.
At capacity, the building will house 255 students who can lease a space by the bedroom or the unit. There are three different units in the building, including a studio apartment, a two bedroom apartment and a four bedroom apartment. Most students in Titan Court will live in one of the 55 four bedroom units with common area.
Each apartment is fully furnished with beds, desks, couches and kitchen appliances including a microwave, stove and dishwasher. Flat screens TV are also provided in each apartment common area, along with cable TV and high speed internet access, which is included in the price of rent. Rent varies from $520 a month for a room in the four bedroom unit to $875 a month for a studio.
All floors also have a public study room and a laundry room with machines that text message residents when their load is finished washing or drying.
While construction noise still surrounds the job site, many students see Titan Court as a big opportunity to stay academically focused while living independently.
"It's unique even that a community college student like myself gets to live in student housing, let alone, apartment style not dorm style,” says Kevin Loder, an LCC student who works as a Community Assistant in Titan Court
Loder is one of the first residents of Titan Court, working to building community in the student apartment complex.
“Not only to I see this beginning to transform downtown Eugene, but lives of students and my own,” says Loder.
Along with all the new furniture and appliances, the building is notable “green” as well, earning a LEED Gold Standard in its construction and function.
Each bedroom has its own windows, three speed fans and a fresh air vent blowing outdoor air in 24/7. The toilets are also low flow and use collected rain water to help flush. Hot water is heated primary through a solar thermal fin array system.
The other half of the property, LCC's Downtown Center building is still under construction. Crews should finish the building by the end of November. LCC reps announced “73 days” until they “get the keys” at the Titan Court ceremony on Tuesday.
Soon, students will be able to go to an observation deck on the roof of the downtown center. Down on the street corner, the “Titan Store and Market” will also open soon, selling textbooks, spirit gear, food and more. The Titan Store and Market should be open by the end of the week, or early in the week of September 23rd, 2012.
