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It is the responsibility of the Division of Design & Construction to manage the Hess Village Apartment Complex by generating a long-term positive cash flow, and to ensure the funds are invested in cost-effective maintenance and renewal projects which will improve the quality of the rental units and maintain the complex in good operating condition.

Hess Village, UAF's 72-unit apartment complex, provides 1, 2 and 3 bedroom, fully furnished year round housing with Ethernet and Cable TV for full time students with families. UAF Division of Design and Construction acquired responsibility for the management of the facility in August of 1996 under an alternate management plan, partnered with UAF Residence Life, designed to make the facilities more attractive to students.

Noel Rathbun was hired in May of 2001 as Hess Village's first full time complex manager. He lives at Hess Village and as such is on call for resident emergencies and day-to-day maintenance, repair and renewal. Reporting to Steve Titus - Director, Division of Design and Construction, Noel holds established "office hours" at the Hess Village Complex, which the tenants appreciate.

Recent Improvements at Hess Village

Motivated in part by surveys completed by residents in 1998 and 2000, many improvements have been made to the Hess Village Apartment Complex such as:

Apartment Renovations:
New furniture
New water heaters
New carpet, vinyl and paint
New windows

Miscellaneous Improvements:
Roof Replacement
Fire Alarm System
Grounds Beautification
New Playground Equipment

Kids' Summer Cleanup Program

This program stems from the results of a survey in 1998 in which residents noted the amount of trash on the grounds. It provides a volunteer opportunity for the kids of Hess Village to pick up trash one hour every Thursday between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The maintenance crew provides supervision, trash bags, rubber gloves, and instruction as to the type of trash articles to avoid (sharp or dangerous objects). Immediately following the cleanup, each child receives an ice cream bar and a star that is applied to their personal participation card. These cards are used to track each child's participation for which additional prizes are awarded at the end of the summer.

The program continues to be successful in accomplishing its two main goals:

• to provide residents with an environment relatively free of trash
• to involve the children in a productive and rewarding activity that teaches them to take pride in the appearance of their community

Hess Village is a friendly neighborhood with residents who take pride in the community they live in. It is a family lifestyle away from the rest of the student dorms, yet close enough to be involved with University life and other campus activities.

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