ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï opens Bicentennial Village, the College’s newest residences
Only six months since breaking ground, ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï celebrated the grand opening of its new townhome-style residences, Bicentennial Village. More than 100 people attended the event held on the Village’s grounds on Monday, August 18, 2025. The Village consists of four, three-story buildings which can house up to 96 students depending on configuration. The project poured $6 million directly into the local economy, and it provides much-needed space for the growing College.
“We are so pleased and excited not only to offer our students a new option for housing, but for the progress for ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï this represents,” said Dr. Christopher Holoman, president of ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï. “As the first completely new building completed since 2002, it is a wonderful beginning to ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï's third century."
Construction and work crews spent the weekend adding final touches, including landscaping, finishing the gazebo, and cleaning the exterior and interior of the buildings. Students started moving in Monday afternoon. Two of the four buildings have been completed. The remaining two buildings will be finished and ready for students very soon.
VAS Construction, LLC (VAS) was selected to manage the building of Bicentennial Village, and locally-based businesses were chosen to do the work.
“Our team is honored to play a part in the growth of ÓéÀÖ³Ô¹Ï College, and we are grateful that the Board of Trustees had faith in us to bring the Bicentennial Village to life.” said Justin Sevier, Vintage Homes and VAS Construction Managing Partner. “Without the investment and commitment of local sub-contractors, suppliers, and business owners, this project would not have finished in time.”
Each floor of the four buildings has six rooms – some private and some shared – that open into a large living area and kitchen with full-size appliances. Each floor has a washer and dryer, and each room includes a mini-fridge. There are three bathrooms for six bedrooms on each floor. The rooms are fashioned “suite” style, so two rooms share one of the bathrooms. The first floor of each building is handicap accessible for those with mobility challenges, which includes a handicap-accessible shower. There is ample parking around the complex, and in the center of it, there is a beautiful gazebo where students can gather.
“Opening the Village during our Bicentennial year is an exciting development for students as it shows ÓéÀֳԹϒs dedication to honoring our past while building spaces that will shape the next century of student life,” said Sam Brocato '26, Student Government Association president and biology major.
Construction on Bicentennial Village began in March, and since the spring groundbreaking, workers moved rapidly to erect the residences. While technically considered “off-campus” housing, the apartments, located at 190 East Kings Highway, are only steps from the campus. The Village is the first start-to-finish new construction since 2002 when the Anderson Choral Building and Feazel Instrumental Hall were built. These are the first new residences since 1968.