Pace Paw Print

Pace students now have another option when it comes to places of residence, thanks to the new deal Pace has secured with Educational Housing Services (EHS), granting Pace a newly renovated residence hall in Downtown Manhattan.

55 John Street, the former office building renovated by EHS and converted into a residence hall, is located four blocks from Pace's Downtown campus. EHS, a non profit organization reportedly known for providing students with safe, affordable, privatized housing, claimed to have created a state-of-the art living environment that lives up to the increasing expectations of modern day students, according to a Pace University press release.

"This facility typifies the newest and most contemporary college student housing in New York City," read the release.

Each double or triple room is said to include a private bath, flat screen television and DVD player, self-controlled heat and air conditioning, and WiFi technology. The building is complete with a fitness center, community kitchen as well as a "state-of the art" security and safety system.

The building, according to the release, was influenced by the opinions of a student focus group which toured the residence building while the negotiations were underway.

The deal allowed Pace to reserve the entire building, 500 beds, for Pace students. In return, Pace traded 500 beds from the St. George residence hall in Brooklyn. Pace kept 200 beds in St. George, however, to accommodate housing demands.

"We're delighted that Pace students are living in Educational Housing Services newest and coolest student residence," said EHS President George Scott. "EHS has been a Pace housing partner for 11 years, and we're pleased to have been able to develop a turnkey residence that's convenient to Pace's Downtown campus and equipped with all the newest technology and amenities that students today expect."

Rick Whitfield, Pace's Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, also seemed pleased with the deal.

"It's a win-win situation for us and our students, a major step toward fulfilling a dream the University has held for years," he said. He also said the new residence was "a modest contribution to the tremendous growth that's going on here."

The new residence, according to the press release, is also meant to make it easier for students who opt to participate in co-ops or internships in New York City, especially since its location is four blocks from Wall Street.

"Without the need to commute, many more Pace University students will now be in the heart of the rapidly-upgrading and evolving Downtown area," Whitman said.

This new residence puts Pace in a league with other colleges who are expanding into Downtown Manhattan, such as Columbia, NYU and Fordham.

The press release predicted the increase of activity the college students will most likely bring with them to the area "will bring additional patrons to Downtown retail, food and service businesses."

Pace students were invited to check out the new residence as well as to join President Stephen J. Friedman and President George Scott in a ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday morning, making known to students and press alike of the new stage of Pace residential life.

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