Construction is underway for a duplex-style housing complex at Chandler Crossings, one of the first of its kind geared toward college students in East Lansing. The Cottages at Chandler Crossings are scheduled to be finished this June, said Will Randle, community development manager for Mayberry Homes, which is building and developing The Cottages.

“We did market research (and there’s a) demand for more housing, specifically this ‘cottage style,’” Randle said. “This is the first ‘cottage style’ community in the (MSU) market.”

Those interested can sign a lease now to live there this summer or during the fall semester, Randle said.

The Cottages will be available in one to five bedrooms. The five-room apartment is $565 per month per person, and the one-bedroom unit is $950, Randle said.

Randle said many who have shown interest in The Cottages are graduate students and young families.

“They are wanting something a little quieter and a little more private,” Randle said.

The first phase of the structure includes 33 units and 100 beds. The second phase, slated to be finished near fall 2014, will expand the complex to a total of about 170 units, about 510 bedrooms and a clubhouse.

Graduate student Jessica Wynalda signed her lease for a one-bedroom cottage. She said she is looking for a different atmosphere compared to where she lives now in Abbot Place Apartments, 2501 Abbot Road.

“There are a lot of younger students living at Abbot Place,” she said. “(The Cottages will be) quiet, off campus — that’s really important to me, being in law school. If I didn’t have as much work or studying all the time, I wouldn’t worry as much.”

The off-campus apartment complex currently offers housing in The Village, The Club and The Landings at Chandler Crossings.

A feature unique to The Cottages is enclosed garages, which cost $75 per month for each space. Some of the cottages feature a large patio neighbors share.

Randle said The Cottages will have more of a residential feel compared to an apartment complex.
Randle said residents in The Cottages all will receive a Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, pass.

Mathematics senior Eric Hendricks said he chose to live in Chandler Crossings for the past two years because it’s inexpensive.

“The distance from campus stinks, but the price is good,” he said.

Still, Hendricks said more housing isn’t necessary and not many people will live in The Cottages.
“MSU is growing,” he said. “But I don’t think they need (The Cottages).”