Staff Report

Published Oct. 12, 2012

A city panel signed off Thursday on a proposal to build a $40 million student housing complex at Huger and Blossom streets.

The 598-bed Monarch at USC project, which is backed by Arnold Companies President Ben Arnold, initially was proposed in July, but the Design Development Review Commission deferred action until more information could be gathered.

The project only required the commission’s approval because the city block where it will be built is in the Innovista District and already has required zoning.

The complex for University of South Carolina students will include about 200 furnished living units that are either two-bedroom units or four-bedroom units. Residents of each living unit will have their own bedroom and bath, and share common living areas and kitchens.

The plan includes a parking garage in the center of the block rimmed by the apartment buildings. The structures will be four stories tall at the corner of Huger and Blossom streets, rising to seven stories at Pulaski Street.

Arnold and his partner, Monarch Ventures of Charlotte, N.C., are committed to building a resort-like student residential complex complete with a roof-top swimming pool, a Monarch official said.

Officials expect to start the project in the spring with completion planned for August 2014.