University Lofts, a six-story, “premier student living” rental apartment building going up across from campus at the northeast corner of Evans Avenue and University Boulevard, has been through some tough sledding since breaking ground last year.
The project — which is not affiliated with DU — has been scrambling to make up two months of construction delays due to heavy snow and brutal cold. Now, in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, security issues from rattled parents have emerged as a top concern in marketing the 35-unit, 97-bed residence.
“We’ve had more parents asking about the security of the building than anytime before,” says Pat Barron, managing partner of Barron Investments, which is developing the building.
One parent of two daughters who attend the University of Denver insisted there be a 24-hour, armed guard on premises, Barron says. The building won’t have that feature, he says. Instead, it will rely on resident managers and a state-of-the-art key and card entry system designed to restrict access to doors, elevators, stairwells and the underground parking garage.
Some garage and ground-floor access will be granted to the building’s retail tenants, Barron says, but not to their customers. These tenants are Jamba Juice, TCF Bank and Jordan’s Bistro & Pub, which will have limited valet parking.
Further, he says, a floor-only access program similar to the system used in DU’s Nelson Hall is also being considered as a security upgrade.
Leasing of the fully furnished, loft-style units has been modest since active marketing began April 17, he says. Prices have been cut $40–$170 per bedroom since they were announced in mid-March, and a free-month incentive is available to tenants who sign one-year leases by the end of May. Still, Barron remains confident the building will be half-leased in May and fully leased by move-in day on Sept. 1.
Available units include studios, two- and four–bedroom apartments and four-bedroom sixth floor lofts ranging from 545 to 1,849 square feet. Gas, electricity, water, trash, cable TV and Internet access are included, but parking is extra at $110 per month.
Each unit will have individual thermostats, air conditioning and a full kitchen. A model will open June 2.
For more information, go to www.universityloftsatdu.com or call 303-503-6610.