Agreement provides new living option for students

Fri, December 12, 2008 |

Valparaiso University students will have an additional option for residential living next fall as the result of an agreement between the University and developers of The Uptown East, a new apartment complex taking shape on East Lincolnway north of campus.

The University has leased 44 units in the first building being constructed in the complex and will provide housing for 132 students and a residential life staff member. The units include furnished suite-style apartments for two, three or four students.

Ryan Blevins, the University's assistant dean of students for residential life, said the apartments will be a housing option offered to students as part of the room selection process that takes place early in the spring semester.

"The units in The Uptown East will be offered to students, with first preference given to seniors, in the same way that other residences operated by the University are offered," Blevins said. "The University will staff the apartment building with residence life personnel in a model similar to that of the traditional residence halls. In addition, residents of The Uptown East will benefit from other amenities of the facility, including private bathrooms for each bedroom, a washer and dryer in each unit, a small DVD theatre, group study rooms, a computer room, and a common fitness center and game room."

Each apartment will have Internet service, although it will not be a part of the University's network, and there will be wireless Internet service in the common area of each unit as well as in common areas within the complex.

The University has leased apartments at the Compass Pointe apartment complex for the past five years. Blevins said that, as the final year of that lease began, the University requested and reviewed proposals from several complexes.

"The Uptown East was especially attractive because of its proximity to campus," Blevins said. "The building is virtually across the street from our other residence halls, so the students living at The Uptown East should continue to feel very much a part of campus life."