Urban Renewal Authority Update:
Construction is under way on Aspen Heights, a project financed in part by the City's Urban Renewal Authority as part of the North College Urban Renewal Plan area. Economic News conducted an interview about the project with Stuart Watkins, Director of Public Relations for Aspen Heights, which is based in Austin, Texas. The development is at east of North College Avenue between Conifer Street and Vine Drive.
Q: Would this project have happened without the help from the City's Urban Renewal Authority?
A: No. As we were going through the rezoning process it became clear that in order to develop the property as planned, we would be required to construct significant offsite improvements. The improvements included several roadways that will greatly improve connectivity in north Fort Collins. Without the financial assistance from the URA, the project economics would not have supported these improvements.
Q: The construction plan states that there will be 220 units available to students, but over how many buildings is this?
A: In full Aspen Heights Fort Collins will feature 750 beds, 220 units and 131 buildings.
Q: How often will the bus service run to campus and are there designated hours that it will be available for students?
A: The Aspen Heights shuttle will run from 7am-6pm Monday-Friday.
Q: When did construction start and when is it expected to finish?
A: Phase 1 of Aspen Heights started in late 2013 and is expected to deliver for the fall 2014 semester. Currently all of phase 1 is 100% preleased. The final phases will deliver for fall 2015.
Q: Where is the Aspen Heights company based? Is it a national corporation?
A: Aspen Heights is based in Austin, TX, and has completed projects in ten states from Colorado to Virginia. Right now Aspen Heights is focused on building and managing student properties across the United States.
Q: Is Aspen Heights Africa something that the Fort Collins location will contribute to? Are students involved with this?
A: Aspen Heights in Africa is very special and personal to the organization. Since 2008, Aspen Heights has partnered with organizations in Kenya and Rwanda that focus on housing and education. Future residents at Aspen Heights Fort Collins will have the opportunity to travel to Rwanda with Aspen Heights on a vision trip to tour the school, volunteer in the community and experience the culture. For more information check out www.aspenheightsafrica.com.