A new private apartment complex, Hillcrest Hollow, expected to open next spring off Hillcrest Drive in Marietta, is being specially designed to accommodate graduate students in Marietta College's growing physician assistant program.
"The PA program has grown significantly, and students spend a full year in Marietta before spending another year working in clinics across the country," said Frank Christy with Christy & Associates, developers of the 27-unit complex.
There are currently 36 PA students enrolled in the 2012 graduating class, according to the Marietta College website.
Christy said the single-story apartments, located in a wooded area behind Tractor Supply, are well within walking distance to the Frontier Shopping Center as well as the Marietta College campus.
Each unit will feature a full appliance package including range, refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, and washer/dryer along with high-speed Internet access and a flat panel digital TV.
"This is not a project of Marietta College but we think there's a market for a private complex designed to meet the students' needs," Christy explained.
He added that although the Hillcrest Hollow units are being developed with the grad students in mind, the facilities will also be open to other students and anyone interested in small apartment living.
"While our prime target is the students, the apartments could also be suitable for executive rentals for people who may need accommodations for six months to a year while working in this area," Christy said. "And some units may appeal to a retired couple looking for a smaller apartment."
As a rough estimate he said rental prices would start in the range of $550 to $575 per month.
Ryan Smith, Marietta trail coordinator with the River Valley Mountain Bike Association, said the construction won't interfere with access to the system of trails developed on woodlands property the city owns adjacent to the Hillcrest Hollow site.
"I've seen a copy of the project plans and have looked at the site and I don't think it will interfere at all with the trail development," Smith said. "I think it's pretty exciting that it's being developed understanding the location will provide tenants with ready access to the trail system."
Christy said LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is being sought for the project.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000, LEED provides building owners with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions, according to the council's website at usgbc.org.
"LEED encourages sustainable development, energy efficiency and less waste of materials," Christy said.
LEED certification points are assigned based on an entire array of "green" environmental impacts.
For example, points will be gained on the Hillcrest Hollow project because the apartments proximity to the college and shopping areas make it easier for tenants to walk instead of drive vehicles to those locations.
Christy said points are also awarded for using local suppliers, which means less time on the road for vehicles picking up or delivering materials for the project.
He said seeking LEED certification is important as this will be a pilot project for Christy & Associates, which may consider marketing similar apartment packages to other colleges.
"Colleges and universities are among the first to want LEED certified developments serving their students," Christy said.
Construction is expected to begin on the Marietta project within the next couple of months with a target completion date of April 2012.
