Local News in Brief : Panel OKs Plans for CSUN Dorms, Offices

Construction plans for two office buildings and dormitory space for 800 students at Cal State Northridge were approved Tuesday by a committee of the University Board of Trustees.

The construction is part of a $150-million expansion plan on CSUN’s North Campus. The entire plan includes a satellite Student Union, more classrooms, an athletic arena and such commercial facilities as a hotel and restaurants.

CSUN officials expect the university’s enrollment to increase from its current level of 29,000 students to 40,000 by 1995.

The dormitories approved Tuesday form the second phase of the university’s plan to provide housing for 2,400 students. The first phase is near completion and is expected to house 800 students this fall. The second phase is expected to open in July, 1989, and the third phase is to open a year later, said Charles Manley, CSUN director of facilities and planning.

The two three-story office buildings will provide about 60,000 square feet of office space each, Manley said. Their total cost of $12.9 million is being paid by a private developer, North Campus Associates.

Tenants of the office buildings have not been identified, Manley said. But a percentage of their rent plus lease payments by the developer will go to CSUN to help pay for the educational and recreational facilities on the North Campus, Manley said.

Approval by the Committee on Campus Planning, Building and Grounds is tantamount to approval by the trustees. The committee’s approval of the office buildings was given on the condition that minor changes be made in the construction plans.