SEATTLE — The University of Washington has announced an $850 million plan to build new dormitories and apartments to house more than 3,000 students and address overcrowding.
The plan calls for eight new buildings, each up to six stories high, on what are now parking lots. Most of the construction would be on the west side of campus, blocks from off-campus restaurants and stores on University Way Northeast, also known as “The Ave.”
Six existing residence halls also would be renovated and one, Mercer Hall, would be demolished.
The plan is on the agenda for a meeting Thursday of the university Board of Regents. If approved, the first new dorms would open in the fall of 2011 and the entire project would be completed in 2020.
“It’s pretty extensive, and it’s pretty exciting,” said Eric Godfrey, vice provost for student life.
The university now houses 5,100 students in space it says was designed for 4,500.
The project would be financed by increasing student housing fees and borrowing money. A 2 percent increase for dorm residents could take effect by the fall if regents approve. Freshmen pay about $4,100 each for nine months in a basic double room.
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