Western Courier

Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Andrew Thomason Construction on the property at South Ward and Piper streets recently began transforming it into a new student subdivision.

Starting in August 2008, Western Illinois University students will have one more option for off-campus housing. The new subdivision, called "The OC @ WIU," was approved for development at last Monday's Macomb City Council meeting.

The owner of the property, Art McManus, attempted to create a similar subdivision during the summer of 2006 but withdrew the proposal due to protest by residents of the surrounding neighborhood. McManus said he had the backing of the city staff and administration, but residents of the surrounding neighborhood stood in the way.

"This is almost completely the same as what was going to be at the other end of the street," said Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead. "The only difference was that (last year) it was going to be an R-4 (multi-family) development next to R-1 (single family) permanent housing."

Located at South Ward and Piper streets, the original plans included duplexes and fourplexes as well as unattached houses (any homes that stand by themselves). The revamped subdivision will contain only 100 unattached homes and has moved one block south on Ward to Grant Street. Potential renters can choose between two-, three- or four-bedroom prefabricated units.

"(The city staff and administration) were telling us it was a great project, so we came back after withdrawing the proposal and decided to move over to this project," McManus said. "We are going to give students an alternative to the older homes and multi-story apartment complexes."

McManus said he hopes to attract a variety of students, including undergraduate, graduate and possibly non-traditional students because each home will have a front and back yard.

In addition to homes, the subdivision will offer a large clubhouse containing a computer lab, exercise facilities, tanning beds, study rooms and a game room. McManus added that sand volleyball and basketball courts will also be located on the property.

"I think it is kind of a natural progression from dorms to apartments to houses," he said. "We are very excited to be in Macomb and think it will be a great addition to off-campus housing."

Beginning Jan. 15, students interested in renting from McManus can view a model home located on West Jackson Street next to The Islands restaurant or talk to a representative of "The OC @ WIU" in the lending office at the same location.

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