As West Virginia University (WVU) students return to campus this weekend, they will find a new housing and mixed-use complex on the Evansdale campus.
University Park is the product of a private-public partnership designed to accommodate 1,300 WVU students, faculty and staff and provide retail and dining options to local residents.
WVU leadership and community partners celebrated its contributions to the university and Morgantown communities on August 13 at a ceremony held in the complex’s courtyard.
“This magnificent complex represents our mission as a university and as a community partner,” says WVU President Gordon Gee. “University Park fits perfectly within the university’s strategic housing master plan to provide modern accommodations and amenities for our community.”
The complex is home to 173 fully-furnished and modern one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments available for lease to WVU graduate students, faculty and staff. It is also home to Oakland Hall, a WVU residence hall designed to house 902 undergraduate students.
University Park started in 2013 as a vision to bring modern housing, restaurants and retail development to benefit students and surrounding neighborhoods. Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Life Corey Farris says the project has exceeded expectations.
“The finished product has realized the original vision and beyond,” Farris says. “Through the public-private partnership established with Mark Nesselroad, University Place will not only become a place that 1,300 WVU students and staff can call home but it will also contribute to the economic vitality of the City of Morgantown by expanding its tax base and providing more dining and retail options to the community.”
The complex will also be home to Anytime Fitness and IHOP, both of which are scheduled to open mid-semester. Other commercial entities will be announced as plans are finalized.
University Park boasts luxury features such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and pod-style bathrooms. Centrally-located between the University’s Evansdale and Health Sciences campuses, University Park is within walking distance of the College of Law, two PRT Stations, the Student Recreation Center and Milan Puskar Stadium. It creates a welcoming space for students, faculty and staff with a spacious courtyard, fully-furnished study rooms, a grab-and-go café and laundry rooms.
The University Park apartment complex is accepting leases. For more information about the leasing process or to schedule a tour, call (304) 293-PARK.
