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Shorter College’s plan for shipping‑container dorms wins Planning Commission approval
Summary
Shorter College received approval to use repurposed shipping containers as student housing at 715 North Pine Street after presentations by college leaders, the builder and student supporters; commissioners voiced questions about parking, accessibility and exterior finishes before voting unanimously to approve the conditional use.
Shorter College won Planning Commission approval for a conditional use permit to locate shipping‑container dormitories at 715 North Pine Street in an R‑4 zone.
Dr. Charles Prince, vice president at Shorter College, told the commission the college has seen enrollment growth — about 20% last fall — and is pursuing a $40 million capital campaign tied to its 140th anniversary as it seeks more on‑campus housing. Prince introduced a project team and said the proposed housing would help students live closer to campus.
Bryce Smith of Custom Living Containers described the construction approach: factory‑built shipping‑container modules finished on site to meet the International Residential Code with third‑party plan review and inspections. Smith said the exterior would be finished with EIFS to match existing campus architecture and that the city building official (Mr. Crane) and the fire marshal had been consulted.
Commissioners asked about parking and accessibility. Applicants said existing residence‑hall parking is expected to support the additional beds, that not all students have cars, and that formal parking capacity will be addressed during the site‑plan review. A commissioner raised concerns about EIFS durability and suggested considering a masonry wainscot at the base; the applicant said they would coordinate with Shorter College on more durable finishing details and noted EIFS products have improved.
Two Shorter College students, Morgan Duvall and Laquisha Perry, spoke in support. Duvall described classmates juggling work and loans and said on‑campus housing would reduce long commutes. Perry urged the commission to allow alternative building materials so the city can expand accessible and affordable housing options for students and local businesses.
After public testimony, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call: Commissioners Banks, Chambers, Foster, Phillips, Pierce, Wallace and Chairman White voted yes. Staff were asked to advise the applicants on next steps.
The commission’s approval allows Shorter College to proceed to the detailed site‑plan and building‑permit stages where parking, accessibility and specific exterior materials will be addressed during plan review.
