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University Village nearly 50 percent leased
University Village held its first open house Tuesday, giving new students as well as current residents an opportunity to tour the complex and model unit. With only four-bedroom, four-bathroom units left, most apartments in the complex have already been rented. “ We’re 50 percent full and plan to fill up by mid-June,” said University Village leasing officer Mary Lou Acosta. Offering cable hook-ups in each bedroom, a furnished living room, a computer lab and numerous study areas, University Village has geared its marketing with students in mind. Steven Crawford, an official representing both University Village and its Texas-based parent company American Campus Communties said he believes the complex was needed in the area. “ When our parent company surveyed the area [Central Valley] we noticed there weren’t any high-end student housing available in the area,” Crawford said. American Campus Communities has been successful in its California business ventures. Along with the opening near Fresno State, the company also opened a 1,500-unit complex at UC Irvine and a 500-unit complex at California State University San Bernardino last fall. “ We’re currently serving 23,000 students across the nation. We’re trying to make our prices as competitive as possible as well as set the new benchmark for student living,” he said. For students still weary of last year’s fire at University Village, Crawford said the complex has taken several precautions to ensure a more secure living environment. “ We have security living onsite. The complex offers card-access, key accessed front doors and bedrooms and we’ve upgraded our fire safety by installing an improved fire suppression system,” Crawford said. University Village residents Jennifer Sprano, a junior majoring in nursing and Sarah Caswell, a physical therapy sophomore, said they are happy with their new living arrangements. “ Getting our own bathroom and having a gated parking lot is a real plus for me,” Sprano said. “ Having a washer/dryer unit in each apartment will be so convenient. The idea of having a locked door to your bedroom is good too,” Caswell said. “I lived in the dorms for two years and I’m ready for a change,” she said. University Village also offers a roommate-matching book for those students looking to share their space. Move- in day is August 20. |
