The Lodge will offer over 500 new off-campus units next fall

GVL / Courtesy - The Lodge
Living space renders

The Lodge

GVL / Courtesy – The Lodge Living space renders

Sanda Vazgec

For students at Grand Valley State University, it seems as if a new off-campus apartment complex is built almost every week. Having so many options can make the decision to sign a lease difficult for students. The Lodge, the newest housing option currently under construction, is the newest addition to the off-campus housing choices for Lakers.

Located on West Campus Drive in Allendale near Campus West and The Meadows, The Lodge offers two-bedroom and four-bedroom options, which are all fully furnished. Each bedroom is equipped with its own private bathroom and a walk-in closet. A bed, mattress, storage unit, nightstand, desk and chair are all included in each bedroom.

Furnishings in the living room include a sofa, lounge chair, flat-screen TV, coffee table and entertainment console. The adjacent kitchen offers new high-end, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and barstools. All units are also equipped with an in-unit washer and dryer.

“We’ve taken everything a student needs and put it into one place,” said Corey Franklin, leasing manager at The Lodge. “We take the time to ask our residents what their needs are and what they want out of their living experience.”

Franklin said the complex will be a gated community to ensure residents’ safety and security. In addition to this, residents will have access to a resort-style pool, fire-pit, outdoor bar and kitchen along with sports courts.

All utilities are included in the rent payment, residents will only pay for electricity. High speed internet and cable are also included in the amenities.

Residents also have access to tanning beds and an on-site 24-hour fitness center complete with cardio machines, free weights and a yoga studio.

Study rooms with individual and group spaces are available in addition to a computer lab, printers and a coffee bar.

The complex is located on the existing 48 and 37 Rapid bus routes where students can shuttle to campus for free.

While the complex is still under construction, they are now leasing for fall 2017.

Franklin said the construction process is ongoing and will be completed in three phases. Phase one will be complete in July 2017, where 567 units will be ready for move in on Aug. 25, 2017. Phase two will begin shortly after, adding 567 more units and phase three will add an additional 400 units.

With a large community in the works, the complex will hold community events and gatherings throughout the year to introduce residents to each other and build a community-oriented environment.

“I’m living in The Lodge next year because I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth here,” said Michelle Lindemulder, a GVSU student. “The only utilities we’ll have to pay is electricity and everything is brand new so our bills won’t be high.”

The Lodge offers leasing specials throughout the year and interested residents can call the office at (616) 294-0252 for current offers and rates. The apartment complex will host a grand opening event in early November where students can tour the showroom and learn more about what the units will offer.