New student housing filling up fast

LIMA - New student apartments within walking distance of the OSU-Lima/Rhodes State campus aren't finished, but 50 percent of the space is already accounted for by students.

University Residences at Longmeadow, located just west of the campus on state Route 309, will be ready for move-in day, Sept. 16. School starts Sept. 24.

The students who have signed leases are a good mix of OSU-Lima and Rhodes students, said Marc Reinicke, community manager.

Ninety percent are incoming freshmen, coming from as far away as the Cincinnati and Cleveland areas. Others are as from as close as Putnam and Auglaize counties.

The apartments are a project of Columbus-based Edwards Community, the first time the developer has built near a smaller regional campus.

"No one knew what to expect," Reinicke said. "I think the fact that we're at about 50 percent without even a completed building, that's pretty good."

The long-term plan calls for five buildings, using land to the north and west of the current apartments. How soon they go up depends on demand, Reinicke said.

The all-brick, three-floor complex will include 23 apartments, enough room for 110 students. There are both two- and three-bedroom apartments. Construction started in the spring.

Saying the apartments have a real campus feel, Reinicke said it will be like a community. A path will go from the property to campus, he added.

"These are going to be 100 kids all living together in a nice community," he said. "It's a chance to actually share a university experience on a regional campus, which this area has never had."

A clubhouse and fitness center also will be on site. The clubhouse includes a home theater room, gathering areas and a coffee bar.

"Everything that they need is really on this one block," Reinicke said, adding the students are signing 12-month leases and will make an economic impact on the city, especially nearby businesses.

Longmeadow will be the second student housing to open in the area. Student residence halls opened last year at the former Plus Management Services on Ada Road.

OSU-Lima has plans to build a student life center to open in 2011 or 2012. Reinicke believes the student apartments will bring more students to campus.

 "Just by building this, we are really changing the way structure of the campus operates," he said. "I think with more activities, the more kids will want to go there, and the more people we will have here."

Rent is $475 per person and includes all utilities, cable and Internet access, and the use of the clubhouse and fitness center. The apartments are fully furnished, including with a washer and dryer.

For information, call 419-228-5800.