Today UALR’s Office of Student Housing assumed management of University Village, a 420-bed residence complex for juniors, seniors, and graduate students featuring two and four bedroom apartment-style suites with private baths and a resort-style swimming pool with community amenities.

Debra Gentry, associate dean of students and executive director of UALR Housing, said the acquisition of the apartment-style complex on the south end of campus near the new sports and recreation complex brings the total number of residential beds to 1,380.

“UALR Housing offers everything from single private rooms to four-room apartments, based on seniority,” she said.

The university purchased the newest residence complex from an out-of-state corporation that operated it as Coleman Place. UALR extended an already existing revenue bond issue to make the $14.7 million purchase. Rent from the apartments will service the bonds.

With the change in ownership, starting June 1, current residents who are UALR students will be eligible to renew their leases through the university. Leases for non-students living in the complex will not be renewed. Some students from surrounding colleges may be allowed to reside in the complex for up to one year, governed by UALR Housing rules.

“By May 2013, all residents at University Village will be UALR students,” Gentry said.

She also said two UALR police officers will move into two of the apartments to add to security, and a UALR patrol car will be on site nightly.

“The parking lot is fenced and gated, and we are installing several blue emergency lights,” she said.

In addition to the pool, University Village offers an exercise room, game room with pool table, and cyber cafe. The village also is a stop on the maroon line of the Trojan Trolley.

Interested students should contact UALR Housing at 501-661-1743 or email housing@ualr.edu.