Foundation Heights takes shape

What began as a concrete elevator shaft on the corner of Grange Avenue and 28th Street has quickly transformed into the recognizable frame of a four-story apartment building. 

Construction of Foundation Heights, the university’s newest student housing project, is in full swing. The project is expected to provide housing for 104 students by fall 2026, helping meet the high demand for on-campus apartments.

According to Jon Martin, campus facilities manager, the complex will contain a mixture of one-, two- and four-bed apartments. The first floor will feature ADA-compliant housing and office spaces, though the specific use of the offices has yet to be decided. 

Whitney Jibben, director of housing, dining and facility services, believes that this new option will be popular.

“We often have a waitlist for our apartments on campus with our new graduate programs,” Jibben said. “We also have older students or students with families or spouses, so just having some additional options is exciting to be able to offer to our increasing student population.”

Jibben said the construction process has been smooth, crediting Augustana’s partnership with Lloyd Companies, which previously handled the Summit Avenue apartment projects. Martin agreed, saying that cooperative weather and a stable supply chain have allowed for good progress.

Martin said that there was a minor issue with getting wiring to the building. 

“We just had to work with Xcel Energy to find a route for the electrical service,” Martin said. “It wasn’t a big deal and is usual for construction projects.”

According to Jibben, Foundation Heights is projected to be priced similarly to current on-campus apartment options, which range from $6,704 to $7,344 for the academic year.

Jibben said the value of on-campus housing comes from its proximity to campus, included amenities, easy access to maintenance and IT, and a variety of apartment styles. When broken down monthly and compared to other apartments available around Sioux Falls, the on-campus options range from being slightly cheaper to roughly equivalent in price.

According to Martin, there have been conversations about adding additional parking to the lot across from the Center for Visual Arts in order to accommodate new residents. However, there is no official plan nor timeline for the potential project.

Staffing plans have also been made. According to Jibben, there are plans to use one of the current hall directors to manage the building from a student-life standpoint. Jibben added that a custodian will be assigned to the building, and a recently hired maintenance technician for the north side of campus will also service the complex.

The project has garnered positive attention from students. Freshman Jules Purrington said she “was impressed with the speed of construction” and that the apartments look like they’re going to be a nice housing option.

Senior Brian Schneider, who lived in a Balcer apartment his junior year, agreed and said that the new complex looks like it will be a good place to live.