By Olivia Krauth–

The newest off-campus student housing option, The Grove, is preparing for it’s first year on campus – and with residents.

With nearly 600 students being forced out of on-campus housing due to the housing lottery last fall, demand for off-campus student housing is growing. The Grove noticed, responding with 252 rooms and the ability to house 654 students beginning in August.

“Based on our research of Louisville, we identified a significant shortfall in the availability of purpose-built student housing in the area,” said Hayley Cook, a media relations representative for Campus Crest, the student housing developer in charge of The Grove.

Students are taking advantage of the new option. “My roommate for next year didn’t get the on-campus housing lottery, so we had to live off campus,” said freshman Ann Wood. Wood says she picked The Grove based off of prices and availability.

Sophomore English major Emily Klein said she fell in love with The Grove after taking a tour. “I just felt like I could really call it home,” said Klein. “I also loved that it was brand new and that it was really eco-friendly.”

Although students are signing leases at the new complex, it is far from ready for move in day. While construction is visible at the future spot of The Grove on Fourth Street, the building is incomplete.

“We are pleased that construction is going according to plan and The Grove at Louisville is on track to be complete by the start of the 2014/2015 academic year,” said Cook. 

While The Grove may be confident in their construction progress, some students are concerned that their room won’t be ready before the scheduled move-in day of August 23, the Saturday prior to the first day of classes.

“Yeah, I’m kind of worried,” said Wood when asked if The Grove’s construction progress bothered her. “My parents are worried about it, too.”

“If it’s not done by move in day then where are all these people going to live?” asked Klein. 

Cook noted that this timeline excludes any inclement weather, as well as any other events that may hinder process, leading some to wonder where residents would be placed. At  the time of press, no back up plan had been presented to future residents or the Cardinal. When asked if this bothered her, Wood replied, “I mean it does worry me, but I remember when they were building the SRC and it didn’t look like they were going to get it finished on time, but they did.”

For more information on The Grove, visit their website at Gogrove.com/louisville or visit their leasing office in West Hall.