Missouri college moves forward on Greek housing

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - Southeast Missouri State University is moving forward on its plans to establish a housing option specifically for students in Greek organizations.

The college's board of regents voted Thursday to seek design services to develop Greek Village, which is planned on a university-owned, nine-acre property, the Southeast Missourian (http://bit.ly/1xtMHLe) reported.

Three fraternities are prepared to lease the proposed new housing from the school in the coming years, and officials say two other Greek organizations may sign on later.

Officials say the plan is to have about 20 beds in the residences, likely to be at least 7,100 square feet each. Only three housing units are planned for now, as the school and Greek organizations finalize talks over interest and leasing options. More could be added later to meet demand.

Two homes that have been used as residences by two fraternities will likely be razed if Greek Village becomes a reality, the newspaper reported. One of the homes closed earlier this year because of issues with its roof, water infiltration and ductwork. The other house needs major fixes to its infrastructure in order to remain livable.

Greek organizations are expected to lease the planned housing for about $120,000 per year.

The school had initially focused on a 25-acre site for Greek Village, but a firm working on a feasibility study found too many potential issues with the land, including its location in a flood plain.