East Tennessean

Issue date: 1/25/10 Section: News

BucRidge Phase III is currently under construction

University housing is growing bigger and greener.

BucRidge Phase III is expected to be completed by June, 12 years after Phase I opened and six years after Phase II. The four-story housing residence will provide 112 additional beds and will have an elevator.

"Phase III will have Energy Star appliances installed," said Dr. Bonnie Burchett, director of the Department of Housing and Residence Life. "We are looking at ways to be more energy efficient and leave less of an environmental impact such as using better floor materials and thermostat controls."

As part of ETSU's Green Initiative apartment and dorm tenants were asked to unplug appliances, which saved thousands of dollars for the university.

Phase III is expected to cost a little more than I and II since it is newer, though Burchett said these apartments are competitive to area alternatives based on furnishings and no additional fees for the Internet, water or electric.

"The Department of Housing and Residence Life is self-supporting and we receive no state dollars and have to ensure our prices are competitive to keep students here but enough to break even," said Burchett.

One feature new to Phase III is a new heating and air system. "We are having a variable refrigerant system installed that will allow individuals to control temperatures for their own room and will be much more efficient," said David Farmer, associate director for Housing Facilities. "We recognize that dimes make dollars which is why we are taking a close look at energy-efficient appliances and other systems."

Sam Phillips appreciates the new heating and air system.

"It's nice because now my roommate and I can set the temperature to be a certain way on different days and at different times," Phillips said.

Coinciding with the building of a new phase of BucRidge is a parking lot to accommodate the possible Phase IV depending on future demand, Burchett said.

"We know parking is always of concern and are trying to ensure that we provide plenty of parking for our residents," she said.

Brent Dowling, a senior economics student and Phase I tenant, thinks the development is a good idea for ETSU.

"It sucks that seniors won't be able to utilize the new apartments, but it is good to see that the school is expanding and providing more housing that will hopefully increase campus life," said Dowling, who was on campus when construction on Phase III began.

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