This significant gift came at a critical time for Belhaven students, when housing was at capacity last fall due to increased enrollment. Dr. Parrott adds, “For over a year we have talked, dreamed, worked and prayed for additional housing that would allow us to house more students on campus, but do so in a unique, on-campus living apartment that offers a very different alternative for students who want something other than the type of residence hall rooms we now offer. So on faith, plans were drawn for an apartment building that would house 132 students.”

Construction for $8 million high-end apartments will begin this summer on Belhaven University’s campus after a $4 million dollar gift from Belhaven friends and supporters, Robbie and Dudley Hughes.

Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University, said, “A week ago, Mrs. Robbie Hughes was prayerfully guided by the Lord to join with us in the vision for new student housing. She has made an overwhelming commitment of $4 million for the project. When I received the news, I was completely speechless – because this changes everything. The Lord often does His work through Godly people and Robbie is a woman with the vision to see over the horizon, a spirit of trusting stewardship and a passion to make a significant difference.”

This significant gift came at a critical time for Belhaven students, when housing was at capacity last fall due to increased enrollment. Dr. Parrott adds, “For over a year we have talked, dreamed, worked and prayed for additional housing that would allow us to house more students on campus, but do so in a unique, on-campus living apartment that offers a very different alternative for students who want something other than the type of residence hall rooms we now offer. So on faith, plans were drawn for an apartment building that would house 132 students.”

The $8 million cost to build the project has kept the dream out of reach for Belhaven until now. The complex will be named University Village and will be completed and ready for students to move-in during August, 2015. The design will include:

*   Four bedroom apartments – each resident will have a large private bedroom
*   Two full baths, a kitchen and living room
*   Fully furnished rooms that include amenities like televisions, washers and dryers
*   Breakfast bar and walk-in pantry
*   All utilities (i.e. cable and internet) are included in the semester rental price, along with campus security and campus parking
*   Fitness center on the ground floor
*   A beautiful “New Orleans-style” courtyard
*   Resident director apartments and offices on the second floor
*   Three studio apartments for visiting scholars

The U-shaped, three story building will be constructed on the site of the tennis courts, right in the heart of campus. Belhaven will have a temporary home for tennis until new courts can be built. The exterior will be whitewashed brick that pulls together Belhaven’s brick and white stucco buildings in an elegant blend of architecture. University Village will have secure, individual suites and be available for groups of either men or woman students to rent. Summer rentals will also be available for students.

Dale Partners Architects P.A. designed the building and Mike Harrell of Probity Contracting Group will be the builder. This is the same team that put together the Fitzhugh Hall building.