03/31/16 dgo

HAYS, Kan. -- Another historical groundbreaking is set for Saturday at Fort Hays State University.

FHSU President Mirta M. Martin and other dignitaries will turn over some dirt to signify the start of construction for new student housing on campus, the first of its kind at Fort Hays State.

The Themed Housing complex will be built on the corner of Elm Street and Lewis Drive -- just north of the grassy parking area for Tiger football games at Lewis Field Stadium.

The ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. at the site, the future home of several Greek organizations. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Schmidt-Bickle Training Facility.

The 31,000 square-foot, three-story Themed Housing building is part of a $35.7 million Wiest Hall replacement project that includes a 450-bed residence hall near the site of the current Wiest Hall. Projected completion date for both new buildings is June 2017, with occupancy planned for the fall 2017 semester.

The Themed Housing has room for four groups of 24 students each, in addition to a separate apartment for a residence hall manager.

Currently, three Greek social organizations have committed to filling a portion of the building -- the Delta Zeta and Sigma Sigma Sigma sororities and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

There will be a reception at the site, and alumni of some of the Greek organizations will be honored at luncheons at separate locations.

The Themed Housing is built on a townhouse model, with each of the four houses featuring separate entrances as well as private bathrooms and their own family room, kitchen and a stairway.

In a central area open to all residents will be two large meeting rooms with capacity of 50 people each, as well as a shared elevator and laundry area.

Planning to attend the ceremony, which is open to the public, are several dignitaries, local civic leaders and representatives from various FHSU departments and organizations.