By: Christine Souders
csouders@cbs4qc.com
Black Hawk College breaks ground for a place students can call home.
This week, the developer, Bluffstone is starting construction on the Villas at Black Hawk, the new dorms that beginning next fall, will house 120 students.
Already, Black Hawk is taking applications to live there.
Tuesday afternoon, City leaders and Black Hawk college leaders took symbolic shovelfuls of dirt, breaking ground for the school's very first dorms.
One Black Hawk student said living right across the street from campus will be a bonus.
"Just roll out of bed and go to class, that'd be nice," said Megan Morrow, an anthropology student.
Black Hawk College President Tony Baynum said this is a smart move for both the college and students, "What this allows for them to do is focus on their studies and engage in the campus environment."
One thing Baynum said will be helpful to students is they can choose a lease for either one or two semesters.
"They're forced to sign year contracts for apartments and such, this is not good because they're having to break those contracts because they're not here."
And students tell us the dorm life is an important part of the whole college experience.
"Have people around you who are encouraging you to stay in school and help with that entire process," said Rachael Pitchford, a Black Hawk Student.
The developer also has plans to build a new fitness and study center next door.
We're told construction will be finished in July, just in time for students to move in for fall semester.
