Editor’s Note: This is an extended version of the article that appears in the October/November 2024 issue ofย Evansville Business.
College years are a time when many young people learn the ins and outs of being adults. At the University of Evansville, much of that maturation will happen within the newly constructed walls of Lincoln Commons.
Dedicated Aug. 7 at Lincoln and Weinbach avenues, the four-story building has 123 apartments for UE juniors, seniors, and graduate students. The spacious units have one, two, or four bedrooms, and each has a full kitchen, washer and dryer hookups, full-size beds, and living room furniture.
The design of Lincoln Commons will help UE upperclassmen โbegin to understand what independent living is like,โ University President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mayor Stephanie Terry, who holds a Master of Science in Health Science Administration from UE, told the audience that Lincoln Commonsโ completion โcontributes to a vibrant community and city.โ
UEโs fall semester starts Aug. 21, and Lincoln Commons will be ready for students to move in.
The buildingโs ground level will grab the attention not only of UE students but the larger community โ QDOBA, a Mexican-inspired restaurant chain, and Orange Leaf, a frozen yogurt chain, will fill about 3,500 feet of retail space. Patio dining will be available.
Derek Ungethiem, president and CEO of Ungethiem Properties and the franchisee for QDOBA, says the goal โis to provide students and residents with a convenient and delicious dining option, contributing to the growth and development of the area while being responsible stewards of the campus and surrounding neighborhood.โ
The construction of Lincoln Commons required the demolition of several campus buildings starting in November 2022: University Apartments, Ramona Apartments, one of the Hazeart Apartment buildings, and the former Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity House, which was moved to a new on-campus location.
Pre-construction activities at Lincoln Commons started in March 2023; ground was broken about a year ago.
While city residents will enjoy having new restaurant options, Lincoln Commons ultimately is about helping UE students thrive, according to university officials.
Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Rachel Carpenter says the new housing will allow UE upperclassmen to โfeel at home, make lasting connections, and fully immerse themselves in their academic and personal growth.โ
