It is required that we, as educators, meet our students where they are to provide the education they need to fulfill their goals.
Our region’s housing needs have continued to rise rapidly, and YC was not excluded from the shortage. Through housing studies and new programs, the college’s current housing demand is projected to be as high as 165 beds in the west and 59 beds in the east for students. Additionally, the college has forecast a demand of at least 25 college-owned employee apartments.
YC investigated various solutions, including traditional stick-built ($350 per square foot), modular homes ($297 per square foot), manufactured homes ($267 per square foot), RV travel trailers ($306 per square foot), YC-built tiny homes ($184 per square foot), and purchasing an existing off-campus apartment or hotel to renovate into needed housing (less than $500 per square foot).
Armed with the knowledge of investment costs and following in the footsteps of Prescott Unified School District and Chino Valley Unified School District, which both created workforce housing “teacherages,” the Yavapai College District Governing Board approved the college’s fiscal year 2024 budget. It included pilot housing projects such as an RV park at the Verde Valley Campus, purchasing four travel trailers, renovating Building 34 on the Prescott Campus into an apartment and purchasing some manufactured homes in the West County.
In 2024, YC became aware of an opportunity to purchase the Prescott Pines Christian Camp. Prescott Pines is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Prescott Campus and 25 minutes from the college’s Career and Technical Education and Prescott Valley centers.
After considerable due diligence, the college purchased the property for $4.9M. The project has a renovated cost of $138 per square foot – roughly half of the cost of other housing options identified.
Prescott Pines at Yavapai College has opened its doors for students and college employees for the fall 2024 semester.
“It’s beautiful, affordable and such a blessing to be living there. I have everything I need and more,” said Susanna Marcinek, a Yavapai College student.
Renovations will continue to create additional workforce housing, update the utility infrastructure and renovate the cafeteria, chapel, gym and athletic field.
By the fall 2025 semester, Yavapai College will have:
- Student Housing
- 220 Beds in Prescott Campus residence halls
- 94 beds at Prescott Pines apartments (of 165 demand)
- 12 Beds at Verde Valley Campus (of 59 demand)
- 8 beds at Chino Valley Center (of 165 demand)
Employee Housing
- 1 x 1-bedroom apartment at Prescott Campus for temporary housing
- 1 x 1-bedroom apartment at Prescott Pines
- 6 x 2-bedroom apartments at Prescott Pines
- 3 x 3-bedroom apartments at Prescott Pines
- 1 x 4-bedroom apartments at Prescott Pines (of 25+ demand)
Flexible Housing for Students or Employees
- 4 travel trailers
- 10 RV pads at Verde Valley Campus
- 15 RV pads at Prescott Pines
- 6 RV pads at Chino Valley Center
The Pines, the RV Park and the manufactured homes are out-of-the-box solutions that are not only tracking to meet the needs of our students and workforce but are doing so in a fiscally responsible way. It is required that we, as educators, meet our students where they are to provide the education they need to fulfill their goals. When that happens, our entire community benefits. QCBN
By Dr. Lisa Rhine
Dr. Lisa B. Rhine serves as the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 35 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.
Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, including two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County.
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