The Retreat at State College: Premier Student Housing Redefining Off-Campus Living
State College, Pennsylvania, is set to welcome a new standard in student housing with the development of The Retreat at Westerly. This ambitious project aims to provide Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) students with a luxurious and convenient off-campus living experience. Developed by Landmark Properties, in collaboration with Golden Primera and Peninsula Investments, The Retreat at Westerly promises a blend of comfort, style, and community, setting a new benchmark for student accommodations in the area. This article delves into the details of this exciting new development, exploring its features, amenities, and the overall impact it is poised to have on the State College student community.
A Cottage-Style Community: The Vision Behind The Retreat at Westerly
The Retreat at Westerly is designed as a cottage-style apartment community, offering a unique living environment distinct from traditional apartment complexes. Located at 418-428 Westerly Parkway, the 11.2-acre site will feature a mix of townhomes and garden-style apartment buildings. This design aims to create a more relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere, reminiscent of a neighborhood rather than a typical student housing block.
The development will include 142 townhome and garden-style units, providing a total of 546 beds. These units are available in two-to-five-bedroom living arrangements, catering to various group sizes and preferences. The spacious bungalow-style apartments are designed to offer comfort and convenience, making them an ideal home away from home for students.
Jason Doornbos, chief development officer for Landmark Properties, emphasized the unique nature of the project, stating, “The Retreat at Westerly will be the newest cottage-style housing product in the State College market by over half a decade.” This highlights the innovative approach and the anticipated impact of The Retreat on the local student housing landscape.
Luxurious Interiors and Modern Amenities
The interiors of The Retreat at Westerly are designed with a focus on luxury and functionality. Each unit will feature high-end finishes and modern appliances, ensuring a comfortable and convenient living experience.
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Key interior features include:
- Quartz countertops: Providing a sleek and durable surface for kitchen and bathroom spaces.
- Stainless-steel appliances: Offering modern convenience and a stylish aesthetic.
- Hardwood-style laminate floors: Combining the look of hardwood with the durability and ease of maintenance of laminate.
- In-unit laundry: Adding convenience and saving students time and effort.
- Private baths for each bedroom: Ensuring privacy and comfort for all residents.
- Wi-Fi enabled thermostats: Allowing residents to control their environment efficiently.
These features are designed to provide a comfortable and upscale living experience, setting The Retreat at Westerly apart from standard student housing options. The apartments are also furnished, with each bedroom including a bed, table, and chair, and the living room featuring comfortable sofas, chairs, and a coffee table. The kitchen is fully equipped with energy-efficient appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven, as well as a washing machine and dryer.
Extensive Community Amenities
Beyond the individual units, The Retreat at Westerly offers an array of community amenities designed to enhance the student living experience. These amenities cater to both academic and recreational needs, fostering a well-rounded lifestyle.
The centerpiece of the community is a 10,500-square-foot clubhouse and amenity area, which includes:
- Resort-style pool: Providing a relaxing and social space for residents.
- Pickleball court: Offering a fun and engaging recreational activity.
- Sauna and cold plunge: Promoting wellness and relaxation.
- Study lounges: Providing quiet and comfortable spaces for academic work.
- Fitness center: Equipped with modern exercise equipment to support residents' health and fitness goals.
- Grilling and fire pit areas: Creating social spaces for outdoor gatherings.
- Multisport simulator: Offering a unique and entertaining recreational option.
- Additional green space: Providing areas for relaxation and outdoor activities.
In addition to these amenities, The Retreat State College is equipped with a game room, basketball court, volleyball court, hot tub, and a free printable computer lab. The community also offers individual leases, roommate matching services, and is pet-friendly, catering to a wide range of student needs and preferences.
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Prime Location and Accessibility
The location of The Retreat at Westerly is another key advantage. Situated at 418-428 Westerly Parkway, the community is adjacent to Westerly Parkway Plaza, a grocery-anchored shopping center. This provides residents with convenient access to essential shopping and dining options.
The Retreat State College has a premier location in the heart of State College, offering quick access to supermarkets, restaurants, various shops, and other entertainment destinations. The Retreat State College is also close to Penn State University, University Park. It takes about 9 minutes to get from the Retreat apartment to the main library of the school by the R line (i.e., the school center. Most teaching buildings are near the library). Also, from Retreat apartments, it takes only 6 minutes to drive to the campus and 13 minutes to ride a bike. The Brexx at State College makes it easy to get to class and on-campus events! No matter how our residents prefer to commute, be it by walking, biking, or driving, they can get to campus in mere minutes!
Accessibility is further enhanced by the planned on-site parking for 417 cars, as well as storage for bikes and scooters. A CATA (the local bus system) shuttle stop is also planned for the site, providing convenient transportation to and from the Penn State campus and other key locations in State College.
The community’s location also places residents near the area’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment-and with J.Rose Salon located right onsite, self-care is always within reach.
Development and Construction
The development of The Retreat at Westerly involves the demolition of two existing commercial buildings on the site, which have become dilapidated over time. The project will also incorporate the empty field behind the plaza on Waupelani Drive, maximizing the use of the 11.2-acre site.
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Construction is expected to be completed for occupancy in the fall of 2027, according to a Landmark spokesperson. This timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the project, as well as the commitment to delivering a high-quality living environment for students.
According to Landmark, The Retreat at Westerly meets the size requirements to remain classified as a commercial district, ensuring compliance with local zoning regulations.
Landmark Properties: A Leader in Student Housing
Landmark Properties is a well-established and respected developer in the student housing market. With The Retreat at Westerly, the company is building its fourth project in the Penn State market, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality housing options for students in the area.
Currently, Landmark owns and operates 2,483 beds across four properties in State College: The Station State College, The Legacy at State College, The Metropolitan at State College, and The Standard at State College. This extensive portfolio reflects the company’s experience and expertise in managing and developing successful student housing communities.
The deal for The Retreat at Westerly marks the 25th joint venture between Landmark and Peninsula, highlighting the strong partnership and shared vision between the two companies.
Impact on Penn State and the State College Community
The Retreat at Westerly is poised to have a significant impact on Penn State and the broader State College community. As of the fall of 2024, 48,900 students were enrolled at the flagship Penn State campus, an increase of 0.8 percent compared with the previous academic year. This growing student population creates a demand for high-quality housing options, which The Retreat at Westerly is designed to meet.
By providing a luxurious and convenient off-campus living experience, The Retreat at Westerly can help attract and retain students, contributing to the overall vitality of Penn State. The community’s amenities and social spaces can also foster a sense of belonging and connection among students, enhancing their overall college experience.
In addition to its impact on students, The Retreat at Westerly can also benefit the local economy. The development will create construction jobs and generate ongoing economic activity through resident spending at local businesses. The community’s proximity to Westerly Parkway Plaza and other shopping centers can also drive traffic and sales for these establishments.
It's important to note the potential impact of external factors, such as visa cancellations for foreign students and changing attitudes towards studying in the United States, on enrollment numbers. While the current enrollment figures do not yet reflect these factors, they could influence the demand for student housing in the future.
Floor Plan Options and Pricing
The Retreat State College offers a variety of floor plan models to suit different needs and preferences. These include 2B2.5B, 3B3B, 4B4B, 5B5B, and 5B5.5B options, providing spacious living arrangements for students.
As an example, a 12-month lease for a unit accommodating three residents in a 3x3 configuration (three bedrooms and three bathrooms) might have a base rent of $1,299 per bedroom, plus fees. The total square footage for this type of unit is approximately 1,395 square feet. These prices include Wi-Fi, a CATA bus pass, and a parking spot. Residents are typically responsible for electricity and gas.
It’s important to note that pricing, availability, fees, and any applicable rent specials are subject to change without notice. Prospective residents should check with the leasing office for the most up-to-date information.
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