Campus View Student Housing LLC has purchased the Campus View student housing complex, 2030 DMACC Blvd. on the Ankeny campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), and has plans for a renovation and expansion of the existing complex, and a $20 million development of a new luxury student housing complex with 500-600 beds (approximately 150-200 units).

Brad Houser, co-owner of Campus View Student Housing said the apartment complex will be called “The Pointe” and will be located nearby on Prairie Trail, a new Ankeny community development. It will be next to the Iowa Soybean Association building across from DMAAC and near Campus View. Houser said the idea is that the two complexes will create a complete student lifestyle center that makes for a feel of true campus life.

Houser said his company will first try to fill The Pointe with students, but might offer market rate apartments to the general public if need be. Construction will take place in two phases, with the first phase expected to begin this fall and be completed by the beginning of fall semester 2011, and the second phase expected to be completed by the beginning of fall semester 2012.

Laura Stein, Campus View’s property manager, said the plans call for a $5 million to $6 million renovation of the current 50-apartment V-shaped complex, and an addition of 21 new apartments to create a west-wing that closes off the open part of the V. The new wing will house both four-bedroom, four-bath and three-bedroom, three-bath apartments.

She said the renovation will include furnishing the apartments and adding granite countertops, new cabinets and new appliances. A new fitness center, lounge theater and courtyard with grills will also be added.

A new resident assistant (RA) program will feature six student RAs who will help plan events, aid students in their college living experience and create a traditional college living atmosphere.

Ground has already been broken and grading has started. Completion is targeted before DMACC’s fall semester begins Aug. 26.