UA to continue lease at Bluff Apartments

The University leased two of the three buildings at the Bluff at Waterworks Landing apartment complex this semester. However, after its success this year, UA officials decided to expand the number of apartments available for students to live in.

Last week, the UA System Board of Trustees passed the resolution to continue leasing the space for three years with the possibility of continuing the relationship for two years after that.

This was the first time the University leased an off-campus alternative for students.

Because of the growing population and the growing number of incoming freshmen each year, on-campus residence halls did not have enough rooms for all the students who wished to live on-campus including incoming freshmen, upper classmen who wish to stay on campus and transfer students.

Alicia Browne, associate director for information and communication for Housing and Residential Communities, said several factors affected the decision to renew the lease.

“We have opted to lease these spaces to meet the growing demand for campus housing from the growing student population, particularly each year’s growing freshman class,” Browne said. “Additionally, we see continued interest from upperclassmen to stay in campus housing. Although the Bluff is not strictly speaking ‘on campus,’ it provides an excellent transitional experience for upper class students.”

Construction on the third phase of the Bluff wasn’t completed until earlier this fall. Nathan Dendy, manager at the Bluff at Waterworks Landing, and Browne both said the year had gone smoothly with no conflicts or situations. Dendy and Browne also said that students living at the Bluff had given them positive reviews of the apartments.

“They love the location, the amenities and the convenience,” Browne said.

Amenities of the Bluff include a wooded view from each apartment, an office in each apartment, as well as not having railroads nearby, according to the Bluff at Waterworks Landing Web site. Also, the Bluff is a gated community, so, students have the same security they would in an on-campus.

One of the conditions of the trial off-campus residence hall was that residence hall officials would have to evaluate the success and outcome of the students who lived there in the first semester.

Right now, the University has no further plans for leasing other apartment complexes.
“We are always evaluating the need for housing, as well as student demand and the student experience,” Browne said.

According to the resolution approved by the UA System Board of Trustees,
The University is required to lease between 184 and 208 beds of the two- and three-bedroom suites beginning in January 2009 and extending through August 2011.

In August 2011, the University will be obligated to lease only 50 percent of the units. In August 2012, the University will be obligated to lease 25 percent of the units, according to the resolution. It also stated that rent will increase by 3 percent each year beginning Aug. 11, 2010.