INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - College living is not what it used to be. Schools are stepping up the game when it comes to housing in hopes of attracting more students to live on campus.
Thursday morning, the University of Indianapolis dedicated its new $25 million student apartment complex, a facility expected to not only impress students but spark new development.
UIndy President Robert Manuel told those gathered, "as we grow, the community grows."
Erin Jackson, who attended UIndy as an undergrad, enrolled as a grad student. She will be among the 486 students living in "Greyhound Village."
The complex offers furnished one-to-four bedroom units with kitchens, private baths, patios or decks, and laundry rooms.
Walking through a two-bedroom unit, Jackson said, "Housing is important for me. It's your home away from home. You want to make sure it has the things you need, whether it's a refrigerator or homey feel."
During the dedication, Manuel referred to other enhancements on or near campus. He said long-term plans called for more academic or multi-use buildings on campus, while plans were in the works to convert an old bowling alley, vacant for 12 years, into a restaurant and brewery.
He also noted that the Red Line, the city's first rapid bus service route, will run from Broad Ripple to the UIndy campus, making it more accessible and easier for students without cars to get around.
Manuel said the improvements would improve "the quality of life" for the university and the community.
As for UIndy's growing footprint, he said, "It can either be used to isolate or connect and elevate all boats, and that's our goal."
At Joe's Shelby Diner, a block north of campus, employee Debbie Stanley is glad to see the university growing.
"For the community, the kids, all the businesses around the area, it's really good," she said.
Customer Jackie Garrett, born and raised on the south side, couldn't agree more.
"To see the growth and how proud people are? It's great," she said.
Garrett attended UIndy when it was known as Indiana Central.
She said over the years, "the area here got pretty run down and, of course, they have purchased more property...and the new facility that's opening, it's gorgeous and the kids will bring money" to the area.
As the campus expands, so does the student population. This year, UIndy will welcome more than 1,000 freshmen, its largest class ever. Students will begin moving in later this month, with classes resuming August 31.
Manuel described Greyhound Village as a joint venture with strategic Capital Partners, LLC. He said under the arrangement, the university provided the land and will operate the building. The developer, meantime, will earn revenue through renting the apartments.
Manuel said such partnerships were becoming the norm for universities, allowing them to "build better buildings."
Mayor Joe Hogsett called the expansion "transformational for the entire city," saying UIndy's growth has the ability to "attract new residents and embolden new development."