Campus News

Champions Court Opens its Doors Today

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2014) Champions Court I, one of the five new residence halls opening at the University of Kentucky this fall, will open its doors today.

The community is invited to tour the facility from 3-6 p.m. today, Thursday August 14. Those who attend will see much more than a place to sleep.

Champions Court I and II, Woodland Glen I and II and the new Haggin Hall represent the latest chapter in a new era of student housing. Forged through an unprecedented public-private partnership with Education Realty Trust (EdR) — a $348.3 million investment in high-tech living and learning spaces — the residence halls are designed to bolster and support student success throughout the institution.

In addition to the two-bedroom suites, in which each student has his or her own private bedroom, the residence halls also provide common areas designed for building community within the hall. Study spaces, in which faculty members can plan programming, as well as classrooms within the residence halls also provide areas for students to learn where they live.

“Our effort in housing is to build community for a new generation. The spaces that are coming to life across campus are places for people to gather, collaborate and create,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “The comprehensive redevelopment of our residence halls and the growth of the living-learning programs we offer are about the social and intellectual development of our students; it’s about inspiring human transformation through community.”

UK is assessing the potential of building up to 9,000 new residence hall beds over the next five to seven years, and up to $500 million in private equity investment to transform living and learning space on the campus. Over the last two years, at the direction of Capilouto and the Board of Trustees, the university has initiated ― or is about to begin ― more than $600 million in construction of new campus living, learning, research and quality of life spaces.

Last fall, the university celebrated the completion of the first phase of campus transformation, with 601 beds opening in Central Halls I and II — a $25.2 million investment.

Phase Two will progress accordingly:

  • Phase 2-A: 2,381 beds in the new Haggin Hall, Woodland Glen I and II; Champions Court I and II; a $138 million investment; opening fall 2014
  • Phase 2-B: 1,610 beds in Woodland Glen III, IV, V; a $101.2 million investment will open fall 2015

Highlights of the new residence halls include:

  • Supportive technology for modern student living, including Ethernet and wireless connection and satellite connection throughout
  • Rooms equipped with a microwave-fridge combination unit, generous storage areas, high-tech study areas and other amenities
  • Tempur-Pedic mattresses
  • Granite countertops
  • High-tech laundry facilities that will alert students to machine availability and status of their wash load via their computer or cell phone
  • Works by Kentucky artists in the lobbies

The University of Kentucky also recently negotiated a 15-year, nearly $250 million contract with Aramark, creating another public-private partnership that will transform dining services for the campus community. The partnership provides opportunities to provide healthier food at lower cost to students, enhance service, invest millions in modern facilities and boost the university's commitment to locally sourced food.

New brands coming to UK's campus in 2014 as a result of this partnership include Burger Studio, Common Grounds, Einstein Bros., Greens to Go, Rising Roll Gourmet and Taco Bell Express.

Parking for guests touring Champions Court is available in the Student Center parking lot, off of the Avenue of Champions.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu

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