By Nate West
News Assignment Editor
The first of two phases of construction on Bonaventure Square are estimated to begin in the spring of 2013, taking about 18 months to complete phase 1, said Brenda McGee, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Kinley Corporation has been hired as the project developer and contractor according to McGee.
“We are very excited that construction is estimated to start in the spring,” McGee said. “However, we also understand that Kinley has much work to do to complete the process of leasing and financing before construction can take place.”
In total, the project will cost about $65 million, with the first phase costing around $25 million. The first phase will include an entertainment center with restaurant, bowling alley and sports lounge, a hotel, retail and professional space, which will likely have an additional restaurant or restaurants, McGee said.
Kinley Corp. will be working with other investors and tenants who will pay the costs of construction. The university will not own Bonaventure Square, meaning tuition will not be raised for funding or maintenance of Bonaventure Square.
The university and Kinley Corp. are very excited to be working with each other, McGee said.
“Kinley Corp. is a very established and high quality construction company, and we believe the partnership will be successful in bringing the project to reality,” McGee said. “They have a solid business plan and a depth of experience as well as a commitment to the community.”
westnl11@bonaventure.edu
