PORT ANGELES — Textbooks and tuition aren’t the only demands on Peninsula College students.
Officials at the community school in Port Angeles are working with a third party to meet housing needs of students from out of the area in what they call an increasingly tight rental market.
Plans are underway for two privately owned structures to be constructed two blocks from the college at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
The residences are to be “earmarked” for students, Peninsula College President Luke Robins said, particularly for athletes, international students and those traveling long distances to attend the school.
The prefabricated units, built by Stratford Homes of Rathdrum, Idaho, have been designed in residence-hall style and will have a maximum occupancy of 89 students.
Each one will include four bedrooms, four bathrooms and shared kitchens and living spaces.
One bedroom may be used for single- or double-occupancy. A live-in student resident manager will oversee the two units.
Local contractors and engineers will be used on the project, college officials said. Collegiate Housing International of Spokane will manage construction and operation of the units.
Collegiate Housing International is aiming for a November opening on one of the two structures, though the process and timeline are still dependent on several factors, according to Jack Huls, Peninsula College vice president for student services.
The Peninsula College Foundation was the lead investor with $100,000 into the project.
A pool of mostly local investors have pledged an additional $650,000, providing Collegiate Housing International with enough funds to seek local financing with Sound Community Bank and purchase the property, college officials said; the total project cost is estimated at $3 million.
Rick Ross, Peninsula College Associate Dean for Athletics, said a stronger economy and growth in population has tightened the rental market locally, creating a challenge for housing student-athletes.
Earlier this month, Ross sent out an email to members of the campus community and the Pirate Athletic Association looking for temporary housing beginning Aug. 1 for incoming PC soccer players while the units are constructed.
“Many current students already have housing secured,” Huls said. “The response has been good.”
For more information, contact Huls at jhuls@pencol.edu.
