BlackSwan Zine

Construction of a new apartment complex in Sunnyside is underway after a two-year delay due to troubles with the topography of the planned construction site.

The plot, located on the corner of Stewart Street and University Avenue, will have 34 units, housing an estimated 110 people when it is completed in August 2010.

“We are very fortunate during these economic times that local and national student housing providers continue to invest and redevelop in the Sunnyside area,” said Chris Fletcher, city director of planning for Morgantown.

The development will cost Indianapolis-based SC Bodner an estimated $3.5 million and have over 45,000 square feet of living space, according to Planned Unit Development forms filed in November 2008.

Original paperwork was filed in 2006 and was amended in November 2008 after concerns were raised over the topography of the location to allow construction of the complex to begin.

Sunnyside Up executive director Jim Hunt sees the new complex as the beginning of the planned revitalization of the neighborhood.

“We want to turn Sunnyside into a high density, student dominated neighborhood,” he said.

Hunt said this will help take the student housing burden off more family oriented communities in Morgantown.

The four-story complex will have 60 parking spaces, as well as a new Mountainline bus stop.

Parking availability is already a concern in the crowded Sunnyside neighborhood, Hunt said.

“Parking is a multi-faceted issue,” he said. “We are looking at creating more parking, but it will probably not be in a building or a lot. We want to reconfigure the alley ways already available in Sunnyside so that additional parking can be found there as well.”

A beautification project for Stewart Street, including ornamental trees, new sidewalks and new street lights, is also planned.

By Matt Narvin for The Daily Athenaeum

[thedaonline.com]