DAVENPORT, Iowa -
Palmer College of Chiropractic is home to some 1,400 students from all over the world. But finding places for them to live near campus isn't so easy.
"We had an apartment kind of set up," recalled student Ryan Stamper, who came to Palmer from Washington. "We got here and thought we were getting a single bedroom apartment, but it was an efficiency. It was pretty bad."
But at the once-troubled intersection of 9th and Perry, there's a field of dreams waiting. It's campus-owned property where Bettendorf-based Oxbow Development Corporation proposes to build a four-story student housing complex.
"There is a need for modern apartments with a lot of amenities that are close to campus," said Kelly Young, Oxbow Development Corporation.
The proposal calls for 74 units with one and some two bedroom apartments. Patterned after projects at two Kansas universities, The Villas of Palmer would feature high speed internet, a fitness center and a short walk to campus.
If the proposal gets the go-ahead from all parties, site work could begin in coming weeks. Oxbow would like to have the project done by next August.
"This is upscale," said 3rd Ward Ald. Bill Boom. "This isn't going to be on the cheap. There are a lot of amenities. It will be good for the neighborhood."
As Davenport develops its vision for a Hilltop Campus Village between Palmer College and St. Ambrose University, the apartments play a key role in redefining neighborhood campus housing.
"We think that to make this a vibrant neighborhood, economic development is an important part of the program," said Palmer College Vice Chancellor Bob Lee.
It continues a growing trend of privately-owned apartments on campus property. Near Palmer, the Perry Hill Apartments serve as another example.
"The universities and colleges only have so many dollars to do anything," Young said. "Leave the housing to a private developer, and everyone wins."
And at Palmer, it's a tool to recruit and retain students.
"School would be a lot more accessible for them," said Palmer student Andrew Jones. "They'll be able to come to the library and come to the clinic. It's just closer and easier to get here."
And maybe, walk home to a modern apartment.
"We had an apartment kind of set up," recalled student Ryan Stamper, who came to Palmer from Washington. "We got here and thought we were getting a single bedroom apartment, but it was an efficiency. It was pretty bad."
But at the once-troubled intersection of 9th and Perry, there's a field of dreams waiting. It's campus-owned property where Bettendorf-based Oxbow Development Corporation proposes to build a four-story student housing complex.
"There is a need for modern apartments with a lot of amenities that are close to campus," said Kelly Young, Oxbow Development Corporation.
The proposal calls for 74 units with one and some two bedroom apartments. Patterned after projects at two Kansas universities, The Villas of Palmer would feature high speed internet, a fitness center and a short walk to campus.
If the proposal gets the go-ahead from all parties, site work could begin in coming weeks. Oxbow would like to have the project done by next August.
"This is upscale," said 3rd Ward Ald. Bill Boom. "This isn't going to be on the cheap. There are a lot of amenities. It will be good for the neighborhood."
As Davenport develops its vision for a Hilltop Campus Village between Palmer College and St. Ambrose University, the apartments play a key role in redefining neighborhood campus housing.
"We think that to make this a vibrant neighborhood, economic development is an important part of the program," said Palmer College Vice Chancellor Bob Lee.
It continues a growing trend of privately-owned apartments on campus property. Near Palmer, the Perry Hill Apartments serve as another example.
"The universities and colleges only have so many dollars to do anything," Young said. "Leave the housing to a private developer, and everyone wins."
And at Palmer, it's a tool to recruit and retain students.
"School would be a lot more accessible for them," said Palmer student Andrew Jones. "They'll be able to come to the library and come to the clinic. It's just closer and easier to get here."
And maybe, walk home to a modern apartment.
