UNF opens Luxury Dorms.

[stephendare]

http://jacksonville.com/lifestyles/2009-09-25/story/new_unf_luxury_dorm_a_study_in_the_good_life

If someone were to be blindfolded and whisked away to the University of North Florida's newest residence hall, upon removing his blindfold there's a good chance he'd think he was at a swanky five-star resort.

Residents of Osprey Fountains can float down a lazy river, putt around a golf ball, try their hand at Ping-Pong, socialize in one of six themed lounges and grab a bite to eat at the lobby's food store. Then they can get to class by 3 p.m. by traveling over a wooden bridge to campus or by hopping on the shuttle that scoops students up right out front.

"Osprey Fountains was a really good investment for UNF. Many of the amenities are used hour upon hour on end," said freshman journalism major Ryan Thompson, who lives there.

Having received mostly positive feedback from student residents, the University Housing department is pleased.

"I think it's meeting students' expectations. The only complaints we've received have been about usage things, like how to work the air hockey table and whatnot," said Paul Riel, director of UNF's housing operations.

For Riel and Robert Boyle, associate director of student housing, their favorite amenity is the outdoor area and the basketball courts.

"I have to fight myself from going out there for my lunch breaks," Riel said.

The funding for Osprey Fountains came from revenue bonds that are being repaid with student rental money. With a grand price tag of $86 million, it gives UNF a competitive edge in regards to other state university housing offerings and attempts to shake off the school's commuter image.

"My personal feeling is that we have set the bar pretty high in college housing. In the state and in the region, these amenities and mega-structures encourage students to live on campus," Boyle said

In addition, Osprey Fountains has created about 25 new full-time positions that are made up of residence assistants, convenience store employees and maintenance personnel.

With a 98.5 percent occupancy rate, the $1.5 million walkway bridge, $7 million dollar pool area and $2 million lazy river are being fully utilized as students take advantage of them constantly.

"I don't even live here, and I'm always using the amenities. This place is awesome. ... I'm seriously jealous of my friends who get to live here," said junior business major Greg Sutton.

Because Osprey Fountains differs greatly in appearance from Osprey Cove or the Crossings, a sort of separation of classes has been talked about among students. But Riel said, "I don't really feel as if the Fountains are pretentious and that much more elite than our other residence halls. I mean, they aren't necessarily that much more expensive."

Upperclassmen who live at Osprey Fountains pay $4,500 per semester for a private room - $700 more than a private room costs at Crossings.

In an effort to transform UNF's campus into a green, eco-friendly Mecca, the newest residence hall is in the process of being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, Riel said.

On top of more efficient building options like a specialized roof and heat recovery chillers, Osprey Fountains includes a state-of-the-art trash and recycling program.

There is an indoor trash room on each floor that has a place for regular trash and a separate place for recyclable items.

So what kind of students prefer on-campus housing options vs. city living anyway?

"I think there's this stigma attached to on-campus housing that you don't have the freedom to do the things you want to do, but that's not really true," Riel said.

Boyle said, "Students are here to complete their higher education and get that degree first and foremost, but Osprey Fountains makes sure some enjoyment is thrown into the mix."

[reednavy]

5-star resort, now that's a crap load of exaggeration.

[buckethead]

I have heard reports of a hospital feel to the living space. The word "institutional" was also used.

[tufsu1]

and if you look at it from the front, you might think it was a new prison!

[billy]

Is the 'Lazy River" heated?

[civil42806]

Most new dorms do seem to be designed by brutalist fans.  Large imposing and lots of concrete.

[JaxNole]

Perhaps in the Sunbelt, new dorms come with seas of concrete; however, visit New England and you will find numerous new dorms that are infill projects that add multiple floors and create another hotbed of activity while remaining connected to the campus.  The Fountains are so isolated from the campus core they may as well be situated in woodlands.  Oh, wait.  They already are.

The dorms are far from luxe, but compared to the existing dorms, they are definitely an upgrade.  The institutional feel is easily remedied through furnishings that mom and dad typically buy during move-in week.  A few throw rugs, smart bedding and accent lighting do wonders.  Besides, most of the studying is done in common areas, the libraries or other academic areas.

Next up for UNF: Greek Row.

[Jason]

They almost have to be brutalist and institutional because of their use.  College students aren't exactly a calm group of 30 year olds that have already lived thier wild years.  Yeah the exterior architecture is lacking but the amenities speak for themselves and the dorm is very practical and should weather plenty of student antics. 

[mtraininjax]

Most new dorms do seem to be designed by brutalist fans.  Large imposing and lots of concrete.

I'm sorry, is this college or a trust fund party? 7 million dollars for a pool? That could have purchase 1 mile or light rail. Geez, what was Delaney thinking?

[DavidWilliams]

Damn, all I needed in college was beer and coeds. Really didn't matter where we lived.

[alta]

The dorms are funded through bonds and paid by fees for the students that occupy them.  Not funded by taxpayers.  $4,500 per semester for a single room.  If I remember correctly jacksonville.com said they were 98% occupied.  This is a nation wide trend to attract students.  

[JaxBorn1962]

and if you look at it from the front, you might think it was a new prison!

Amen

[copperfiend]

Damn, all I needed in college was beer and coeds. Really didn't matter where we lived.

Times have certainly changed. Look at the cars parked there.

[AntigoneStarr]

a pool... near college dorms... usually equals vomit in said pool.

-.-

i'm jealous though. but i think oak hall at ju is just fine, thank you. i won't switch schools for bettering living situations. so long as it's bug free, i don't have to share a bathroom with 40 people, hot water, electricity, and no leaks, i think i'm pretty good.