Students involved with Greek life at Grand Valley State University now have the opportunity to live in the recently dedicated Grand Village, a collection of ten homes located at 5050 Pierce St. near the Copper Beech Townhomes in Allendale, Michigan.

GVSU partnered with private investor Alan Hoffman and Orion Construction to complete the first phase of building in August 2014. After discussions with the university, Hoffman chose six organizations to receive houses off campus: Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Kappa, Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Phi, Gamma Phi Beta and Alpha Omicron Pi.

Jason Wheeler, Orion Construction public relations coordinator, said they were involved with the planning process even before they broke ground in January 2014. The second phase began in January 2015.

Wheeler said they added four more buildings to the 20-acre Grand Village: Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta and Phi Mu. The village now has a total of 256 beds, and each unit can house 20-30 students.

He added that each Greek organization helped pick certain appliances and other amenities that make the homes unique.

“I think it’s a great option and opportunity for the students of Grand Valley, and from what we’ve assessed and observed, this concentration of Greek housing inspires the culture to grow and opens space on campus at the same time,” he said. “I do believe it helps organize student groups which in turn keep a sense of community and a shared experience which can be very positive for anyone’s college experience.”

Although there is room for more houses in the village, Wheeler said they do not have any construction plans at this time.

One of the students who currently lives in the Grand Village is Morgan Greenberg, a junior studying advertising and public relations and communication studies. She moved into her new home at the end of August.

Greenberg has been in a sorority since her freshman year, but she is unable to reveal the specific house because she is a Rho Gamma, or recruitment counselor. She is expected to remain neutral while helping potential new members through the process of finding a sorority.

Greenberg said this is her first time living in a sorority house, but she is enjoying it so far.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s amazing to be surrounded by your best friends every day.”

Wheeler and Greenberg agree that the project was a good idea. Greenberg said she thinks it places everyone on an equal level.

“It’s great to be able to have all sororities in one place, especially with recruitment going on,” she said.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thegrandvillages.