Construction of Emporia’s newest apartment complex is moving along quickly. If all goes as planned, the complex should be open early in August.
The Villas at Emporia, 1839 Merchant St., will replace the old University Inn that was torn down early this year. The apartments, billed as luxury housing for Emporia State University students, are already getting a lot of attention.
“We have quite a few tenants signed up already,” said Carlie Connor, leasing agent for the company. “We’re expecting quite a few more after spring break.”
Connor said there have been weekly events at the leasing office, 1019 Commercial St., to drum up interest with students.
“Every week we have at least one or two clubs on campus come in, and we hold a pizza party here and let them have their meetings,” Connor said.
When completed, the Villas will consist of 50 apartments — 47 of which will have four bedrooms and four bathrooms and three that will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The complex will have a 24-hour fitness facility, free unlimited tanning for tenants, a pool, hot tub, basketball court and possibly a sand volleyball pit.
The Villas will also be a secure complex. “It will be secure access,” Connor said, “with security cameras, key fobs for tenants to get in and out of the building and bolted locks for apartment doors and room doors.”
Leasing options for the apartments will be unique, also.
“We do something different called leasing by the bed,” Connor said. “Each person is going to sign their own lease. That way, if someone’s irresponsible and can’t have their rent in on time, nobody else is responsible for that rent.”
Rent for the Villas will be $399 per bed, including water, trash and sewer.
Connor said the Villas will be a community in itself.
“We like to be involved in activities and events. When everyone moves in we’ll have a big pool party so we can get to know everyone who lives in the apartment complex.”
Move-in day at the Villas will be Aug. 1.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
Hmm, $399 a month doesn't sound too bad. Umpteen years ago when I was in college, 2 friends and I rented a 3 bedroom, one bath apartment in crackville on East Street for $600 total. It was far from secure and gunshots were almost a daily occurence. Ah, those were the days. Not. That may be why I was so eager to move out of town.
March 17, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnDoe (anonymous) says...
Leasing by the bed. Never thought I would see that attempted in Emporia. They do this sort of thing in the larger college towns when there are limited apartments close to campus. I don't think I would want to agree to pay $400 a month to potenitally get stuck living with a bunch of weirdos I don't know. Sounds more like a private dorm than an apartment.
March 18, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )