Jean Bruce Koua, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Elev Homes, plans to offer affordable housing for Edmonton post-secondary students, with an emphasis on communal living and social interaction. 

The project was made possible through an agreement with architect Gene Dub’s Five Oaks Inc., which owns the building (see sidebar). Koua and his business partners will manage rentals and the operation of a total of 120 rooms, with 60 becoming available in 2025 and the rest at a future date. All post-secondary students in Edmonton are eligible to apply, including students at NAIT, NorQuest, MacEwan, and the University of Alberta.

Koua says The Hive is different from on-campus dorms, which can be expensive. He and his two partners, recent graduates of the U of A, personally encountered challenges in finding housing, and they know many others who have had similar experiences. 

Students with limited funds from outside of the province or country often live in sub-standard spaces with excessive rental fees. Some have paid in advance via the internet, only to find that the room or apartment was not as advertised. In some cases, the address did not even exist.

Another common problem is not having a credit rating or rental history. Elev Homes will consider a potential tenant’s financial status using non-traditional methods such as savings and student loans.

In addition to offering affordability and livability, Koua wants to give residents an opportunity to meet students from other institutions and to form a community where they can share housekeeping tasks and information about local resources. 

House rules will of course be necessary. Elev Homes will have a resident assistant living there (possibly Koua) to ensure problems are resolved and shared spaces used appropriately. 

The company surveyed students’ needs and wishes before designing the renovated space. They plan to continue receiving input through student focus groups. “We want to understand what works and what doesn’t work, with a view to making life in the building as free as possible,” Koua says.

The Hive, described on its website as “Canada’s first ultra-affordable student community,” is located next to the Quarters stop on the Valley Line LRT at 9611 102 Avenue. The fully renovated building was formerly the Salvation Army Centre of Hope (supportive housing). The design features small single rooms furnished with a bed, desk, and closet that maximize the small (75-square-foot) space. Residents share dormitory-style bathrooms, a social room on each floor, and a study area. Small storage lockers are also available.

Plans are to charge a rental fee of under $600 a month, including utilities and Wi-Fi. 

Anita Jenkins is a retired writer and editor who lives in Boyle Street.