U sudents left in housing limbo as apartments aren't finished on time

A week before classes begin at the University of Minnesota, a new apartment building for hundreds of students is not yet complete.

On Aug. 1, Prime Place Minneapolis apartments, a 201-unit development, sent out an email:

"It is with much regret that we inform you that despite the contractors' best efforts, portions of Prime Place Minneapolis will not be completed by Sept 2nd," the email read.

Opening would be postponed in some areas of the complex for "a couple months."

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Management offered three options: • delay the start of the lease and move in early November, with a 30 percent discount on rent for the remainder of the lease. • have Prime Place find nearby temporary housing for the same monthly cost. • end the lease with Prime Place and receive the security deposit back.

Bill Dane, a staff attorney with University of Minnesota Student Legal Services, said a few hundred more students soon will learn whether they'll be able to move into another part of the complex, which is scheduled to open on Sept. 2.

Dane said the company informed those students last week that their apartments might not ready for move-in on Saturday. He said the city of Minneapolis will have to inspect and approve those for occupancy. He said an inspection is scheduled for Friday.

Dane said the company would find hotel rooms for students if that housing was not available by the move in date.

The person who answered the phone at Prime Place Minneapolis said the company would not comment.