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New College trustees authorize two temporary student-housing agreements to meet fall demand
Summary
The board approved a one-year housing contract with The Loop (Fourstays) for up to 80 beds (not to exceed $1.4 million) and authorized a contingency agreement with Hyatt Place (up to $1.5 million for 56 overflow beds) to be used only if other options reach capacity.
The New College of Florida Board of Trustees voted May 12 to authorize two temporary housing arrangements intended to expand student housing capacity for the 2026–27 academic year.
Christy Fitzpatrick, chief of staff and vice president for finance and administration, said the board approved a one-year agreement with Fourstays (The Loop), a mile from campus, that would cover up to 80 beds and is not to exceed $1,400,000. "This contract would allow for us to enter into an agreement for a year with them or not to exceed $1,400,000," Fitzpatrick said. She described the complex as full apartments with kitchens and on-site amenities and said the college expects most upperclass students placed there to have vehicles.
Trustees pressed college officials on safety and logistics. One trustee warned that students walking or cycling would need to cross busy train tracks near the Loop and asked what transportation or safety measures the college would provide. Fitzpatrick said the college will provide transportation and prioritize beds for students with vehicles while exploring other options and additional beds if demand persists.
The board also authorized the president to execute a contingency arrangement with Hyatt Place Sarasota Bradenton Airport that would guarantee up to 56 beds (26 singles and 30 doubles) for fall and spring terms, not to exceed $1,500,000. Fitzpatrick said the hotel agreement is intended only as overflow: it would be used "only if we have reached maximum capacity for all of our other facilities," and the college must notify Hyatt by July 1 if it intends to proceed.
On housing costs, Fitzpatrick provided preliminary figures: she said private rooms with private bathrooms at the off-campus options are in the neighborhood of $11,000 for nine months and shared rooms about $9,000, with exact numbers to be distributed to students following final approval. Trustees also asked whether commuter meal plans could be made available for students housed off campus; Fitzpatrick said staff would explore that option.
Both motions passed by voice vote.
