University of Evansville Celebrates Grand Opening of Lincoln Commons

Qdoba to Open Third Evansville Location; Orange Leaf Also Slated for Development in Complex

EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/07/2024) The University of Evansville (UE) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art student housing apartment complex, Lincoln Commons, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday. This milestone signifies the completion of Phase II in a major student housing project designed to enhance the campus living experience for upperclassmen.

The development of Lincoln Commons began with the demolition of several campus buildings in November 2022, including the University Apartments, Ramona Apartments, one of the Hazeart Apartment buildings, and the former Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity House, which was relocated to a new on-campus location. Foundation work for Lincoln Commons later began in March 2023.

Located at the corner of Weinbach and Lincoln Avenues, Lincoln Commons is a four-story building that provides modern living accommodations for approximately 123 junior and senior students. The complex offers a variety of one, two, and four-bedroom apartments, each fully equipped with a kitchen, washer and dryer, full-size beds, couches, chairs, and desks.

The first level features 3,500 square feet of retail space, including an outdoor patio, and is designed to foster a vibrant community atmosphere. Qdoba, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant, and Orange Leaf, a self-serve frozen yogurt chain, will become the first tenants of the space. The restaurant openings will bring approximately 20 new jobs to the area and bolster the local economy. An 87-space parking lot has also been developed across the street, south of Lincoln Avenue, to accommodate the parking needs of residents and visitors.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of the University of Evansville,” stated University President, Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. “Lincoln Commons, with its prime location at the corner of Weinbach and Lincoln Avenues, offers a modern and comfortable home for over 100 upperclassman students. This new facility underscores the University’s commitment to providing high-quality living and learning environments that support student success.”

“Lincoln Commons and the continued development around the University of Evansville not only enhances the campus; it also contributes to a vibrant community and city,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “Projects like this are about more than providing housing for students – they are about creating an environment that supports the development of these students and preparing them for success as they take these final steps toward adulthood and their professional careers.”

Derek Ungethiem, President/CEO of Ungethiem Properties LLC and the franchisee for Qdoba, expressed his excitement about the new location. “We are excited to bring Qdoba to Lincoln Commons and join this community. Our aim is to provide students and residents with a convenient and delicious dining option, contributing to the growth and development of the area while being responsible stewards of the campus and surrounding neighborhood.”

While some students have already moved in, Lincoln Commons will welcome the remaining residents to the fully occupied complex just in time for the start of the academic year on August 21.