Newberry College Announces Opening of Renovated Historic Mill for Student Housing
NEWBERRY, S.C., Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Newberry College continues to develop its "living and learning" campus ecosystem with the City of Newberry, the college has taken another historic step forward with the renovation of the Oakland Mill property as residential space for Newberry College students. To commemorate the opening of the residential facility, the College will host an open house on Friday, August 19 at 4 pm.
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Originally built in 1912, the student housing section, which takes up about 40% of the building, is ready for student occupation for the fall semester. The building, located six-tenths of a mile from campus, will have 29 brand new units available in two- and four-bedroom suites, as well as meeting rooms, study areas and a game lounge for students. The other 60% of the building, set aside to create non-student apartments, will be complete in 2013.
The renovation, which encompasses a fresh beginning for the surrounding Oakland Mill village, is the culmination of a long process and commitment to preserve the historic structure
Last May, West Electrical Contractors, Inc. purchased the building, which is situated on 16 acres of land in downtown Newberry. Avoiding original plans to demolish the Mill, they worked together with the town, county, school district and Newberry College to submit plans to the National Department of the Interior in Washington, DC, for approval within the guidelines of the National Preservations Act.
Licensed General Contractor Misty West, the leader of the project, said the plan was originally rejected, since the proposal called for the reinsertion of windows previously filled in. However, the only option to restore the building was for residential purposes, so they finally got approval since the National Building Code requires windows for any living space.
"The city, county and state all took part in requesting the windows," West said. "The College's involvement was key in this renovation, but this entire project has been a team effort that will ultimately benefit everyone involved, and truly beautify the surrounding area."
The Mill's transition to housing served as a catalyst for improving sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and city street-scaping, in addition to creating walking and biking trails, improving nearby Oakland Park, and remodeling select single family homes in the area. Ultimately, when the project is complete, one-third of the Town of Newberry will be fully redeveloped.
"The Oakland Mill renovation has been a collaborative effort between West Electric, the College, city government and the community to provide distinct space for students and community members alike," Newberry College President Dr. V. Scott Koerwer said. "By bringing a historic structure into the future with updates and renovations, we're investing in our students all while improving the community as a whole."
For continuous updates on the project, visit the Oakland Mill Development Group Facebook page.
About Newberry College
A private, residential, co-educational, college with a diverse student population, Newberry College offers baccalaureate degrees in 24 majors, 31 minors, and 27 areas of concentration. Founded in 1856 by the Lutheran Church, the college is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the National Association of Schools of Music. The college has a radio and television station, and offers 15 NCAA Division II sports. In the recent 2011 ranking of the Best Colleges in U.S. News & World Report, Newberry College placed in the top tier of regional colleges in the South. For more information, visit www.newberry.edu.
About West Electric
West Electrical has thrived on the basis of superior service, quality workmanship and professional service. Founded in 1961 by Billye West, West Electrical Contractors grew from a residential service company to a fully licensed Electrical and General Contracting firm. Today's West Electrical is a family operated company with Billye's five children operating five successful and active branches of Electrical Contracting, Sports and Parking lighting, General Contracting, Design Build projects and Land Development.
About the City of Newberry
Just off Interstate 26 in the scenic Midlands of South Carolina lies the City of Newberry--one of South Carolina's cultural and historic treasures. Newberry, SC is a town rich in history and known for its rural beauty and small town charm. And although it is place where the past has been carefully and beautifully preserved, it's also a town with a vibrant present. Newberry's thriving downtown boasts an array of unique shops and restaurants, a state-of-the-art opera house, a newly-renovated meeting center and event venue, and one of the Southeast's finest private colleges. The surrounding countryside offers hundreds of outdoor activities from forest preserves to golf courses to the Enoree River Vineyard. Newberry is located midway between Columbia, the state capital, and Greenville, South Carolina's cultural and economic hub, so visitors and residents can enjoy the small town pace of life, but also know that the hustle and bustle of a larger city is just a short drive away.
SOURCE Newberry College
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