Curiosity has been stirring among some ISU students, with the recent announcement of a new housing complex coming to Ames.

Sterling University Housing, a Houston-based company, is planning to open a 500-student housing complex by fall 2001. The complex, which will include hot tubs, swimming pools and fitness centers, has grabbed the attention of some students.

According to planners, the facility is intended to combine the social aspect of the dorms with the atmosphere of an apartment complex.

ISU Director of Residence Randy Alexander told the Daily earlier in the week that department officials aren’t concerned about the possible competition, and that they’ve received a lot of interest about Hawthorn Court, a housing complex for upperclassmen that will also be open in fall 2001.

Priscilla Rojas, sophomore in mathematics, said the idea for the new housing complex sounded great and she may consider the option in the future.

“I would like to find out more about the lease. Being out of state, it’s nice that the lease at Hawthorn Court does not continue through the summer,” Rojas said. “It would be nice if this new complex offered the same.”

Rojas, who is considering residence at Hawthorn Court for next year, said if these two complexes are anything alike, she would like to find out more information.

Marie Maher, resident assistant on Merchant House in Elm Hall, said the idea behind the housing complex sounds appealing.

“It sounds like an interesting development and addition to ISU,” said Maher, junior in management and information systems.

The questions Maher has about the new complex include rent and accessibility to campus, as well as rules and regulations.

“I think those are the key factors that everyone would be the most worried about,” she said.

Adam Garms, RA for Knowles House in Maple Hall, also expressed interest in the new housing complex.

“It sounds like the same idea as Hawthorn Court,” said Garms, sophomore in community and regional planning. “I might consider it, depending on the cost compared to other apartments and distance to campus.”

Although the resort-like features may spark interest in some students, others said the “extras” may end up going hand in hand with the cost of rent.

Amanda Smith, freshman in nutritional science, said the idea behind the housing complex doesn’t sound bad, but she’s sure there might be some flaws.

“The activities and social aspects are nice, but I don’t need them,” Smith said. “It all sounds kind of glorified with the hot tubs, but I’m sure I would resent the students living there.”

However, Steve Speirs, RA for Noble House in Friley Hall, said he thinks the new housing complex is a good idea that students may appreciate.

“A lot of times when students leave the dorms, they are leaving their ties with friends and social activities,” said Speirs, senior in math. “This way they can try and get into the real world and still keep their ties.”

Like the other students, Speirs said his decision to look into living in the new housing complex would depend on conditions such as proximity to campus, parking, cost and Internet capacity.