Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998

Apartment chain considers Patton Twp. site for complex

By CRYSTAL NESBITT
Collegian Staff Writer

Melrose may be coming to nearby State College -- not the TV drama, but at least the name.

Integroup Inc., owner of Melrose Apartments, a national chain of apartments, is seeking approval to build a 292-unit apartment complex in Patton Township between University Commons, 201 Vairo Blvd., and Jefferson Commons, 601 Vairo Blvd.

Dean Brantly, vice president of development at the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Integroup, said he anticipates approval from Patton Township by April, with groundbreaking beginning in late July or early August.

Melrose Apartments would be comprised of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, each with a private bath. Each apartment would also have a clothes washer and dryer. In addition, a junior-size Olympic pool, as well as basketball, volleyball and tennis courts are planned.

Mark Mann of Jersey Shore fits a lintel into a doorway on the new apartment building being constructed at 329 E. Beaver Ave. Mann said the masonry work was completed and yesterday's work was just finishing up the details. (Collegian Photo/Galen A. Lentz - click for full size image)

The complex would take one year to complete and would be open for residents in August 1999, Brantly said.

GN Associates, owner of The Lion, 241 S. Atherton St., is also preparing for residents to move into the newest apartment complex.

The Lion is under construction and will be completed by the end of July, according to GN management. The apartment complex will be comprised of four floors with 28 two-bedroom apartments.

GN Associates has been leasing space at The Lion since October 1997 and will continue until all spaces are full.

Also under construction is Nicholas Tower, 301 Pugh St. A representative from Keystone Real Estate did not return phone calls regarding the status of the construction.

The Diplomat, which sits at the old site of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity house at 329 E. Beaver Ave., is also under construction. Officials at A.W. & Sons did not return phone calls yesterday to confirm if The Diplomat's construction is on schedule.