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Villanova Receives Green Light On Expansion

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Villanova has received the green light to move forward on an expansion plan that will turn a parking lot into a performing arts center, student housing, and shopping.

The expansion will be in the main parking lots that run along Lancaster Avenue, and in addition to apartment style on-campus housing for upperclassmen, Villanova's Chris Kovolski says there will be even more.

An artist rendering of the Villanova expansion. (credit: Villanova University)

"A pedestrian bridge at Church Walk, a parking garage for approximately 1300 cars as well as other related parking improvements and enhancements," Kovolski explained.

Kovolski adds that the project took about three and a half years to get approval for from the township.

"This is a complex project, a project of this size and scope should take a period of deliberation and consideration. It provided an opportunity for thorough input from the university, from the township, as well as the neighbors."

Work is expected to begin in the fall, with the new dorms opening in 2019.

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