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Anderson: RTC college curriculum nearly set
Published 12:00pm Tuesday, May 5, 2009The curriculum for an international business college at the Regional Treatment Center is nearly set, a leading developer said Monday.
Rick Anderson, president of Campus Development Group (CDG), spoke briefly before the Fergus Falls City Council to update council members and residents on the college project.
In December, the council authorized the sale of three RTC land parcels to CDG. Those parcels encompass the nursing cottages, the buildings south of the Minnesota Veterans Home and the Kirkbride. Council members also approved a development agreement for the first two properties. A separate development agreement for the Kirkbride is forthcoming and must be approved by the council prior to a June 30 closing date.
On Monday, Anderson emphasized the complexity of coordinating a project that involves so many institutions, both American and Chinese. Planners have spent the past few months trying to balance curriculum content with the cost to students, he said. The curriculum must provide a smooth transition for Chinese students coming to the U.S. as juniors, but must also be affordable enough for families.
Striking that balance will be the next major milestone for the project, Anderson said.
“I’d say we’re getting very close in achieving that,” he said.
On the real estate side, architects are wrapping up the design for dorm rooms, which Anderson described as “suite-style.” Work on the building design has helped planners come up with more accurate figures in terms of cost to students, he said.
Anderson is scheduled to update the city council again in about two weeks.
