PRESS RELEASE: JULY 18, 2024
SJR State announces Palatka Campus student housing
Interior floorplan of on-campus housing
What began 16 years ago as a vision to provide affordable, on-campus housing for students attending the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus has become a reality for President Joe Pickens.
More than 100 students, faculty and board members, and public officials gathered near the construction site Thursday for the groundbreaking ceremony and to celebrate the long-awaited housing solution. The estimated $20,325,000, three-story facility will provide housing for students, student-athletes, and especially for those relocating to attend Florida School of the Arts.
“For 16 years, every minute of my presidency I have sought an opportunity to bring student housing to this campus. Because we need it,” Pickens said. “It’s going to be a transformational change for this campus… and more importantly, transformational for the nearly twice as many students who will choose to attend the Florida School of the Arts after our $11 million renovation and the construction of this student housing project. It will be self-supporting and will be the most vibrant, crucial and critical part of campus life.”
Emily Schafer, Dean of Florida School of the Arts, shared how the number one question when recruiting students regards housing. “We’re delighted to finally respond with a very excited yes!,” Schafer said. “We’re eager to complement our outstanding program with on-campus housing and improve the overall college experience for our students.”
Schafer said providing on-campus housing raises the attractiveness and competitiveness of the programs and allows the school to better attract talent from across the state and beyond.
“Perspective students and families can now rest assured that they have a secure and comfortable living option, while pursuing their degree with FloArts and St. Johns River State College,” Schafer said.
Florida School of the Arts musical theater student Lillian Johnson shared her unique perspective on the challenges students face, including those of safety, accessibility of resources and a positive college experience.
“Many of the FloArts students, me included, commute long distances every day to attend classes and participate in the vibrant, artistic community here,” Johnson said. “For students like me, the prospect of moving into off-campus apartments… can be daunting. It also presents significant challenges, both in terms of time and cost. (On-campus housing) is creating a safe haven where students can thrive academically, artistically and socially.”
The facility will offer 32 four-bedroom units with two bathrooms, a living room, eating nook, and kitchen. Each floor will house one studio unit for a resident assistant (RA). Rooms are accessible from interior corridors through keycard access. On-site laundry facilities and a management staff suite is included. Student activities spaces for billiards, ping pong, gaming, and other entertainment are also included.
Centrally located on the campus near the softball and baseball fields, the 60,000-foot residence hall provides easy access to the gymnasium, Florida School of the Arts, classrooms and student center.
The facility is expected to open in the fall of 2025. The selected management company anticipates accepting applications in spring 2025.
Groundbreaking ceremony photos
Follow the progress at our construction projects page
President Joe Pickens
More than 100 students, faculty and board members, and public officials gathered near the construction site.
Rendering of on-campus housing for students at the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus.
