The University’s latest residential addition, Grand Forest Apartments, has the potential to house 327 students next year.

The complex, purchased last June, contains 132 apartments. According to Director of Housing Argyle Wade, the complex is approximately 45 percent two-bedroom apartments for two occupants with the remaining 55 percent being two-bedroom apartments for three occupants. The triples all contain one and a half bathrooms, with one bedroom slightly larger than the other.

For the past year, many Grand Forest residents, who had already signed leases with the former owners, lived in the apartments. At the end of this school year, those leases are set to expire without renewal, giving the Department of Residence Life full control of the apartments.

After discussion with students, Residence Life has decided to fully furnish each apartment and bring the entire complex up to the standards of Marchetti Towers.

“When Grand Forest opens for move-in next fall, there will be new furniture in the apartment,” said Wade. “The apartments will be wired to the campus network, phone system and cable channels. The rate will include all the utilities, as well.”

This year, any residents living in Grand Forest were expected to pay for their own Internet, phone, cable and utilities.

Wade said that the furniture would be similar to the furniture in Marchetti Towers and the Village Apartments.

Pricing for Grand Forest will match similar accommodations in Marchetti Towers.

Laundry facilities are located in the basement of each apartment building.

This year, parking around the complex was given its own designation. However, next year, the lots surrounding the complex will be made residential parking, according to Ann Benson, manager of Parking and Card Services.

Benson said that it will be made residential, like the lots around Marchetti, in order to keep prices low for residents in those buildings. “Any time we restrict the lot to a specific group, it raises the prices,” she said.

Kathleen Brady, vice president for facilities and civic affairs, said that Laclede Avenue will likely be closed this summer to form a Laclede Mall from Marchetti Towers to Compton Avenue. The project depends upon the approval of the city and utility companies.

“The entire area will feel much different with Laclede Mall,” said Student Government Association President Mike Cappel. “I am happy that Father Biondi decided to fully upgrade and bring the entire complex into the system.”