A&M students moved for development

COLLEGE STATION – Construction crews soon will demolish the 280-unit University Apartments in preparation for the new A&M-owned College Pointe mixed-use development, which is off University Dr. across from Bonfire Memorial and many of the engineering buildings.

By the time the project is finished, it will have a full-service hotel, retail space, an office park and high-end housing and game-day condos.

A&M contracted with Midway Companies to develop Campus Pointe. It is expected to have about 200,000 sf of retail space, a 150,000- to 200,000-sf office park, 300 high-end multifamily units and an entertainment component.

Phillip Ray, chief business development officer for the Texas A&M University System, said the development is aimed at young professionals and can help faculty retention and recruitment.

For students, relocation off campus meant losing convenient and affordable on-campus housing, as well as incurring extra costs such as parking permits and furniture on a fixed income.

For its residents, the University Apartments’ selling points were the affordability, location and its community center. The apartments are dated, though, with paper-thin walls and some lacking basic amenities such as Ethernet connections and ceiling fans.

Located right behind the University Apartments, The Gardens opened in 2010 and include newer amenities such as microwaves and dishwashers, storage space and walk-in closets.

The lowest rent rate at the University Apartments was $457 for a one-bedroom efficiency, and the most expensive unit was $567. At The Gardens, the lowest rent is $737 and the most expensive is $1,087.