Board of Trustees Affirms Amended Resolution To Raze Carlson Terrace Apartments

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — At its meeting on the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, the UA Board of Trustees amended the university’s request to raze the west portion of Carlson Terrace Apartments.

The request, which came during the Buildings and Grounds portion of the meeting, sought authorization for the university to expand the existing green space associated with improvements to the College Creek Branch by razing five Carlson Terrace apartment buildings located west of the creek.

Board members removed language specifically dealing with razing the west side of Carlson Terrace apartments and gave the university the authority to remove the entire complex when it deemed necessary.

“The board of trustees has the authority to change any portion of a resolution that they feel is necessary,” said Don Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “The university will continue with its current plans to raze the five apartment buildings located west of College Creek Branch this summer and use the eastern buildings for housing. Any plans to remove the remaining units on the Carlson Terrace site will be addressed at a later date.”
 
Audubon staff embarked on the College Branch Watershed Project this spring. The goal of the project is to coordinate a plan that will develop and implement strategies for reducing pollutants in the West Fork of the White River, while raising awareness and education for healthy watersheds. The College Branch originates on the U of A campus north of the Carlson Terrace complex and flows into Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River.

The complex is located just off Leroy Pond Street and Razorback Road at 1175 W. Leroy Pond St. It was designed by Edward Durell Stone, the Fayetteville native best known for designing the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.

The removal of five of the 15 apartment buildings located at the Carlson Terrace site would be consistent with the university's campus master plan completed in 1998 by Sasaki & Associates. The plan recommends removal of these units to provide additional recreation space.

“Carlson Terrace apartments are still an integral component of the university’s housing plan,” said Randy Alexander, director of University Housing. “The remaining 200 units will be used to accommodate existing tenants and their families for the 2005-06 academic year.

“Earlier this year, the Office of University Housing hired the consulting firm of Hanbury-Evans, Newell and Vlattas from Norfolk, Va., to assist with the development of a master plan for residential housing on campus,” Alexander added. “We will not finalize any plans regarding the future of any UA residence hall space until that study is completed.”

Alexander estimates a final report on the master plan for University Housing to be prepared later this fall.

Thirty-six tenants had contracted to move to the east side of the complex. Two tenants, whose needs for accessible housing could not be adequately met in the east side buildings, are being moved off campus to equally priced housing that more adequately meets their needs. 

Eight west-side apartments used by Spring International Language Center to house visiting international students have been replaced by eight on the east side of the complex. Spring International is a University of Arkansas affiliated center.

The Razorback Band will lose access to one unit it has used as storage space.  Plans are being developed to address storage space and access to restrooms at its Marching Practice Site in Lot 56 for this fall.