The Varsity Breaks Ground

January 28, 2010

See Varsity under construction in real time!

The Varsity – a mixed-used project combining private residences for 900 students and retail space below, exemplifies an emerging nation-wide trend as Universities look for creative solutions at the campus edge to accommodate growing housing needs. The Varsity is situated at the east edge of the UMCP campus and adjacent to Paint Branch Creek which separates the site from the campus core. This six-story project will form the northern border to the University's new Gateway Park and serve an important role as the Campus' threshold on Route 1.

The Varsity is a private development, made possible with the cooperation of the University of Maryland and the City of College Park. Located at the campus edge, the Varsity is convenient to campus but does not occupy University land that is otherwise available for academic or research facilities.

Offering residential suites that are attractive to upper classmen, the project provides an alternative to off-campus housing districts – reducing competition in the community for land and parking.
As a mixed-use project with residential units over retail that conforms to the recently adopted College Park US 1 Sector Plan, the Varsity transforms Route 1 into a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
As a project with significant sustainable features, it supports conservation of resources and contributes to the restoration of Paint Branch Creek and the overall improvement of the watershed.

While reflecting the emerging trend of public/private cooperation at the edge of campus, the Varsity also responds to the established trend of high student expectations for supportive, enriching, sustainable living and learning environments and quality amenities for study, wellness and recreation. The Varsity will open in the Fall of 2011.

[John Martin and Mark Allen. 2009. Students in My Backyard: Housing at the Campus Edge and Other Emerging Trends in Residential Development. Planning for Higher Education. 37(2): 34–43.] Read original article