Groundbreaking for QC dorm

Queens College and Capstone Development Corporation broke ground for the school’s first residence hall.
Room rates for students will depend on the unit type but will run from $920 a month in a shared room to $1,150 a month for a single occupancy unit.
The dorm building is being built with $72 million financed in tax-exempt bonds issued by the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC). All of the capital was secured by project revenue only. No public funds are contributing to the construction.
Speaking at the groundbreaking were Queens College President James Muyskens, Vice Chancellor Iris Weinshall, Marc Jahr of HDC, and Bruce McKee of Capstone Companies.
The residence, which will be built and managed by Capstone, will contain 506 beds. Along with the dormitory, 200 parking spaces will be created around campus in order to facilitate the influx of students. Each room will be included in a suite, which will also have a kitchenette, common living area and a bath.
“CUNY seeks to augment its academic excellence by adding a quality residence hall,” said vice chancellor Weinshall.
The “green” building will qualify for a silver rating by the United States Green Building Counsel.
This status means that the structure reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves energy and water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, among other things.
The new building is being erected on the former grounds of the old outdoor tennis courts. The school plans to build new tennis courts at another location.
Occupancy is expected for August 2009.