Eugene, Ore. – University of Oregon is planning to build a new eight million dollar central kitchen just off campus. The kitchen will streamline meal preparation for the university, which prepares on average 10,000 meals a day. However, the area just off campus happens to be the home of several graduate students and their families. These cottages have been a staple of off campus housing for years.

“My first reaction was disappointment because I’ve really appreciated living here and it was economically a help,” Mariko Plescia, a cottage resident said.

Director of UO Housing Michael Griffel says the housing department is sensitive to the fact that this is a residential area. While residents are being displaced, new housing is being made available for them for next fall. Residents will be transitioned into apartments with a $700 monthly rent.  The soon to be demolished cottages cost around $500 a month to rent.

The new campus kitchen will allow dining halls to receive local produce and improve the food quality for dining halls overall. Griffel also says that UO kitchen facilities are are out of date, and the new kitchen will allow for more food to be made from scratch, using cleaner approaches.

Casey Pechan, DuckTV News

To watch the video click here: Student Cottages