Opus demolishes buildings for student housing complex

After a legal battle, the Opus student housing project moves forward. Demolition crews began Monday morning tearing down existing buildings to make way for the new student housing complex.

The project on Eighth and Locust streets was put on hold after two Columbia residents a filed lawsuit stating the city acted unlawfully in providing permits.

Opus Development planned to start tearing down buildings Friday morning, but Judge Kevin Crane put a restraining order on the project, keeping the company from moving forward. Around 3:00 p.m Friday, Crane lifted the order. Monday morning attorneys appeared in court at a hearing to discuss the restraining order. An attorney for the plaintiff made a motion to change the judge in the case, meaning a new judge will be assigned and construction on the project moves forward.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argued the issued permits are unlawful, making them void and should keep Opus from construction. ABC 17 talked with city officials Friday. They said the permits are lawful and that Opus met all requirements for that zoning.

Opus Development said the construction will take about a year. The six-story student complex will house 259 students and have 62 parking spaces.