ABAC_PressRelease.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ambling University Development Group and Ambling
Construction Company Join ABAC Officials to Celebrate
Progress on New Student Housing

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Celebrates its Newest Freshman
Housing Community, ABAC Lakeside

TIFTON, Ga., April 13, 2007– The successful achievement of a major project milestone was celebrated by a “topping out” party at ABAC Lakeside on April 13 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Over 200 people attended the event, including ABAC administrators, faculty, staff, and students, construction subcontractors and community representatives from Tifton. Developer, Ambling University Development Group, and contractor Ambling Construction Company broke ground for the new freshman housing community on Oct. 23, 2006.

Located on the north shore of Lake Baldwin, the $16.9 million community will provide 489 beds for the Freshman Year Experience Program. The single and double occupancy suite units feature kitchenettes with a microwave, sink, and refrigerator.

ABAC Lakeside suites are designed to maximize views of Lake Baldwin and create an optimal environment for the academic experience. The student-housing complex is programmed to aid in the development of incoming freshman by featuring 19 separate clusters of 24 students centrally located around resident assistants.

The next steps on the project include completing the exterior façade, finishing off the sheetrock, painting and all interior finishes. A model unit was created complete with all furnishings and interior design elements. The model was available for viewing at the celebration.

Parking spaces for 474 vehicles are immediately adjacent to the building and landscaping with an irrigation system will be added to the parking islands and grounds.

“It is fitting that we will open this beautiful facility during our 100th birthday celebration,” ABAC President David Bridges said. “This is a giant step as we begin moving toward our second century of excellence at ABAC.”

Comprised of experts who partner with universities throughout the country, Ambling University Development Group is well equipped to achieve the greatest vision and value for each client. Led by Charles Perry, president and Greg Blais, senior vice president, AUDG provided development services for ABAC Lakeside and has developed over 20,500 beds totaling over $1 billion in development. Ambling Construction Company led by Bill Brannen, president, provided construction services. Both entities are an affiliate of Ambling Companies, Inc., a real estate development, management and construction company with projects located throughout the United States. Ambling’s wide range of experience includes expertise in university, senior, affordable, multifamily, military and land/resort housing communities. For additional information, visit www.ambling.com.