Cowley College has purchased the former Medicalodge North building in Ark City and will convert the property into a dormitory that will accommodate 50 students.
The school said it made the decision to purchase the building, at 2575 Greenway, because demand for student housing is high. There are about 70 students on the school’s dorm waiting list.
The purchase was approved during a special meeting of the school’s board of trustees Thursday afternoon. Cost of the building plus some remodeling expenses will total just over $1 million, according to school spokesperson Rama Peroo.
Board member Lee Gregg Jr. said the purchase was a quick solution to the current demand for dorm space. The building cost the college about $43 per square foot, which Gregg said made it seem to him to be a good investment.
Renovation of the building is expected to begin soon and should be complete by Aug. 15, in time for the new school year.
Trustees also approved construction of a new elevator to be installed in Galle-Johnson, on the college’s main campus. Federal stimulus money will fund the cost of the elevator and the work to install it.
In addition to the elevator, the school will also upgrade its fire alarm panels and finish flooring in the upstairs hallway of Galle-Johnson.