Published On: Mon, Jul 13th, 2015

University Park: A New Way of Dorm Life

By Sam Smith

The dorm woes that have haunted college students since day one are long gone. No more shower caddies, or communal restrooms, Boca Raton’s newest student housing, University Park, takes all that away.

This purpose-built student oasis, located at 135 NW 20th Street, offers a chic and luxurious alternative to the typical college-living experience by providing student-tailored amenities that quickly make you wonder, how could you lived without it.

With streamlined designs and a cutting edge feel, one begins to realize that the future of student living communities has arrived.

This joint venture partnership of Rosemurgy Properties, Giles Capital Group, and Lewis Rental Properties serves Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, and Palm Beach State College students with a community of 598 beds in 159 units.

“We decided that FAU is a large enough school and with Palm Beach State and Lynn University in addition, we were shocked that there was no purpose-built off-campus housing for kids in Boca,” said Rick Giles, managing partner, of Giles Capital Group.

“The thought process was to build something comparable to a resort and the design elements were based on places like the Apple Store or Starbucks or Urban Outfitters,” Giles said. “The kids are familiar with these conceptualized spaces. They’re cool and they’re well thought out.”

Nested in the heart of Boca Raton on 20th street, University Park is minutes away from restaurants, shopping, and all three universities. A campus shuttle service is available to assist with traveling to and from the university if the residents so chose.

The complex boasts modern amenities, has a 24-hour convenience marketplace provides an on-site place for residents to pick up basic household necessities and snacks. The development also has grills and green spaces as part of their outdoor facilities in which residents can use for cook-outs and parties. Furthermore, a common room dubbed the U-Lounge, features flat-screen TVs, game systems and a bar area for monthly resident events.

There is a two-story state-of-the-art gymnasium, which overlooks a resort style swimming pool, which could be considered the jewel of University Park.

“The open gathering spaces here allows us to see familiar faces everyday,” said Allison Canning, a sophomore at FAU. “In terms of off-campus housing, I like being surrounded by other students. I’m able to make a lot more friends, even compared to when I lived on campus last year.”

University Place also features a business center with conference rooms and media capabilities that are available to students for study sessions and group projects serving as a homework lab.

In essence, the community is an all-inclusive space that is conducive to the overall learning and social aspects of the college experience.

“When we sat down at the table with our architect we said we wanted to create a world-class experience for kids and for their parents,” Giles said.

And that is seemingly exactly what University Park has delivered.

About the Author

Discover more from The Boca Raton Tribune

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading