EDUCATION

Residential Student Housing Coming to FSU PC Fall 2021 by: Erin Chaffin, Marketing Coordinator and Becky Kelly, Director of Advancement

Construction has begun on FSU Panama City’s (FSU PC) first-ever residential housing complex. The recently named Seminole Landing at FSU PC, will have 132 apartment-style rooms and be home to 380 students from both FSU PC and Gulf Coast State College who are enrolled in at least six credit hours.

“It is a game changer,” said FSU PC Associate Dean Irvin Clark. “It is a huge opportunity to enhance our campus and student life. It will completely change the campus dynamic with people and services present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

The ability to live on campus allows students in areas outside of Northwest Florida to attend FSU PC in a more convenient and cost effective way. It will also give local students the option to have a residential college experience.

“It is going to give FSU PC a broader reach and provide a more diverse student population,” said Clark.

On-campus housing increases accessibility and provides a number of advantages for students both socially and academically.

“It’s not just a residential housing complex, it’s a student success project,” FSU PC Dean Randy Hanna said. “Providing affordable, convenient housing along with an expanded number of services benefits residential and commuter students and extends the learning community. It’s just one more part of the FSU PC Promise.”

Recreational amenities will include a 24-hour fitness facility, bayside pool, gazebo, fire pit, gas barbecue grill, space for hammocks and sand volleyball. Residents will also enjoy private study rooms, community rooms, lounge space and academic success center, along with fully-furnished apartment living that includes TV, washer/dryer, kitchen and utilities.

On-campus housing means many current student services will need to be enhanced and extended including student activities, campus security, library and food services and new ones added.

The $23 million project is a public, private partnership with Florida State University, Zimmer Development Company and Asset Living. FSU is leasing the property to Zimmer Development Company, and Asset Living will manage all aspects of leasing to students.

“We are really looking forward to a great partnership with Zimmer and Asset Living,” Hanna said. “This has been a process, and I am especially appreciative of the support from President John Thrasher, Provost Sally McRorie, Vice President Kyle Clark and their teams for the hard work over the past several years leading up to this point.”

Before construction could begin, the project had to be approved by the FSU Board of Trustees and the State University System Board of Governors as well as the FSU Office of General Counsel, the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Panama City, the Bay County Commission and the Bay County Property Appraiser.

FSU President John Thrasher and Jeff Zimmer of Zimmer Development Company signed the lease agreement for student housing at FSU PC on July 16, 2020.

Founded in 1989, North Carolina-based Zimmer Development Company has built its reputation as a national commercial and multi-family housing developer.

“We are very excited to be partnered with FSU PC on this upcoming student housing project. We look forward to serving the students of Gulf Coast State College and FSU PC,” said Nicole Mathis, director of student housing operations for Zimmer. Asset Living is the largest third-party property management company in the nation for campus living with properties on 120 campuses across the nation.

“Despite the current challenges we are facing, this is an exciting time for FSU PC,” said Hanna. “We are growing and our students are excited about the possibilities.”

Students around campus are anxious to start applying for the new housing and are asking about all the unique opportunities that will accompany residential life.

“I’m going to be the first to apply for housing,” said Student Government Council Senator and Recreation, Tourism and Events Major, Mia Bennett. “I want to snag one of the bay view rooms.”

Timeline:

NOVEMBER 1, 2019 — The Florida State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a lease for a new student housing facility on the Panama City campus; First public hearing for a campus development between the city and campus was held

JANUARY 2020 — Campus officials and students traveled to Tallahassee to present their plans in front of the Board of Governors. The board unanimously approved their plans

DECEMBER 2019 — Panama City Commission approved the final hearing for an agreement to bring student housing to FSU Panama City

FEBRUARY 2020 — The Florida Board of Governors approved student housing for FSU Panama City

JULY 16, 2020 — FSU President John Thrasher and Jeff Zimmer of Zimmer Development Company signed the lease agreement for student housing at FSU Panama City

JULY 27, 2020 — Construction began

AUGUST 18 & 29, 2021 — Move in day

AUGUST 23, 2020 — First day of classes

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