designed by
David Riebel, as seen from the Indianola bridge. The house is now owned by Kay Bea Jones.
Tales from years past: University District’s historic homes share hidden meanings
By Emma Bush Lantern Reporter
Each day, hundreds of students walk past homes — aging and time-honored — with rich histories they might not be aware of.
Once primarily residential, the Iuka Ravine District has seen shifts in own-stant push for more temporary student housing, leaving it at a crossroads between history and development. Within this district sits a series of historic homes, each with its own unique story. For example, behind the Indianola bridge — located between East 19th and Frambes avenues — sits a large blue house, tucked away behind trees. The 2021 Indianola Ave. home was designed in 1910 by David Riebel, an architect known for designing many of
Columbus’ early 20th-century school buildings, according to the International Architectural Database.
The home was constructed in the -
tures like a traditional square shape, extensive woodwork, a front porch and built-in shelving, according to the Homes and Gardens website. It’s now owned by Kay Bea Jones, professor emerita of Ohio State’s Knowlton School of Architecture and a Columbus Historical Society board member.
Inside, the house is a striking example of the era’s architectural philosophy — carefully proportioned rooms, dark wood paneling and a passive solar design that predates modern air conditioning.
“The stairwell goes all the way up to the attic,” Jones said. “So, when the attic windows are open, it draws air up,
naturally cooling the house.”
Jones explained the strategically placed deciduous trees, which shed annually, also help to block sunlight during warmer months and further aid in cooling the house.
The home’s design incorporates visual corridors, allowing rooms to be connected through light and sightlines rather than being completely enclosed, Jones said.
“There’s an Austrian architect, an early modernist architect, named Adolf Loos, and he talked about and developed ‘Raumplan,’” Jones said, referring to Loos’ concept of proportional volumes and interconnected spaces.
Jones said in Victorian periods, closed rooms with closed doors were more popular compared to the open-concept layouts often seen today.
Jones said turn-of-the-century Arts
and Crafts homes balance these two extremes by incorporating visual corridors that make rooms feel more open while maintaining distinct spaces.
“Now, it’s starting to open up,” Jones said. “The volumes are opening up with these visual corridors, and [Loos] was a master of that.”
She noted this concept was emerging around the same time the Indianola house was built.
Jones said while Loos worked in Europe, similar ideas were making their
American architects who trained at institutions like the École des BeauxArts in Paris or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“It wouldn’t have been unusual for well-educated Midwestern architects to be exposed to quite a broader cultural range of ideas,” Jones said.
The house uses symmetry in its design, creating a balanced, intentional and harmonious feel in each room.
“See how the beams on the ceiling break the room down symmetrically?” Jones said. “See how the windows beams?”
The Iuka Ravine Historic District has maintained many of its original features, including tree-lined streets and a sloped landscape, contrasting the high-density student housing developments nearby.
“Even in a very urban area, it feels bucolic,” Jones says. “When the leaves are on the trees, it’s even darker and more secluded.”
cance, some University District homes have unusual histories.
David Beers House — 40 E. Norwich Ave.
Built in 1804, the David Beers House was originally located at 2673 N. High St. — near Dodridge and North High streets — before being moved in 1899 by Conn Baker, a well-known bicycle racer, and his brother Herman Baker, according to the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s website. The brothers
relocated the cabin to 40 E. Norwich Ave., where it served as their painting studio.
David Kellough, a senior systems consultant at the James Cancer Hospital and longtime University District resident, said he has researched many historic homes in the area, but this one stands out from the crowd.
ican settlement in the area,” Kellough said.
When Kellough initially saw the 220-year-old log cabin, he was a stuguard.
was making my way home one Friday night as a student, and I decided to take a shortcut,” Kellough said. “I’m driving down the alley in the middle of campus, and all of a sudden, there’s a log cabin in front of me, and I’m like, ‘What?’ I went back the next day to see if I really saw it.”
Former Kappa Sigma House — 1842 Indianola Ave.
The structure of what was once the Kappa Sigma fraternity house is perhaps the most recognizable historical home in the University District. The
Neil Mansion was built around 1852 and originally belonged to Robert Neil, later being passed to his brother Henry Neil, according to Columbus Landmarks’ website.
Kappa Sigma Fraternity purchased the home in 1919, and in 1938, architect Ray Sims redesigned the structure the fraternity’s heritage, according to Columbus Landmarks.
Kellough said he has thoroughly researched the history of the Neil family and their connection to the area.
“Neil Avenue used to be their driveway, and they had a house about where the main library is now,” Kellough said. “They made a fortune in stagecoaches and owned most of this land, which was their farm. One of the sons built his mansion right there, and that is the core of that house. All the names around there — Indianola and Iuka — come from battles he was involved in during the Civil War.”
Kellough said Robert Neil was involved in helping enslaved people escape the Southern states.
“Prior to the war, he was an abolitionist, and there is a long, long tunnel that goes from the frat house toward the river,” Kellough said. “I don’t think anybody’s ever taken it all the way. I’m sure it’s collapsed in places now, but that was used for the Underground Railroad.”
In 2020, Kappa Sigma’s national fraternity revoked the Ohio State chapter’s charter after members violated the fraternity’s code of conduct, per prior Lantern reporting. The house is currently being subleased by Kappa Alpha Order, which has an inactive status, according to the Student Activities webpage.
Avenue
Kellough said on 12th Avenue, across from East Village Apartments, sits an unremarkable apartment building with another unexpected history. Kellough said it was once home to Mil-
lived there as a student and helped develop the artistic style that would laterlough said. “He created ‘Steve Canyon’ and inspired the artists behind the superheroes that are popular on screen today.”
The home of William Sproat and Mary Petry — 178 W. 8th Ave.
Kellough said he recalls one home in the University District that was the site of a brutal double homicide.
EMMA BUSH | LANTERN REPORTER and Crafts-style home at 2021 Indianola Ave. The documents, given to Kay and instructions for builders.
EMMA BUSH | LANTERN REPORTER
HISTORIC continued from Page 3
The building in question, 178 W. 8th Ave., still houses rental apartments. But in February of 1970, it was the scene of a violent crime that shocked and saddened the entire Columbus community.
According to prior Lantern reporting, Ohio State graduate student William Sproat and his girlfriend Mary Petry — a third-year at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati — were murdered in Sproat’s apartment.
“It was a scene out of Charles Manson, just such a brutal, macabre murder,” Kellough said.
Unfortunately, the case of Petry and Sproat’s murders remains unsolved.
“It’s a cold case, now, for 55 years,” Kellough said. “I don’t think they will ever solve it, probably.”
Decades later, however, detectives are “cautiously optimistic” the case could be solved in the future, per prior Lantern reporting.
Challenges of preserving
historic homes in the age of development
Some historic homes in the University District have been converted into multi-unit rentals or replaced with apartment complexes — a trend that has accompanied Ohio State’s growing student population.
Jones, who has served on the University Impact District Review Board,lenges of preserving the district’s historic integrity while still accommodating the needs of a changing neighborhood.
“Our job is design-focused, but it’s about seeing that the buildings that go through processes of change are done well,” Jones said. “And that’s not preservation-focused at all. It’s recognizing the reality that someone’s coming for approval, for change in windows, or a new teardown of a building on the site [or] building a new [building] is done as well as possible.”
Some transformations have been -
ly pointed to a 1911 Chi Phi fraternity house designed by Frank Packard at 2000 Indianola Ave., which has since been converted into student apartments but still retains much of its original exterior’s character.
Other conversions, like the demolition of the Summit Methodist Church — formerly located at 82 E. 16th Ave. — have been more disappointing, Jones said.
Designed by award-winning architect Edward Sövik — who was also Jones’ architecture mentor in Minne -
said a Chicago-based developer bought the building and is now constructing a six-story apartment building at the site.
“Most sad and inappropriate for me is that the beautiful stained glass could not be reutilized in a way that could do it justice,” Jones said. “We lost a really important modern icon.”
the architectural styles of an earlier time, each structure holding its own history. But as the demand for student housing continues to grow, and as more historic homes are sold, their futures remain uncertain.
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icon of modern architecture. Jones
Students struggle with o -campus car break-ins; public safety o cials discuss prevention tools
By Antonia Campbell Senior Lantern Reporter
Columbus is no stranger to car break-ins, and Ohio State students these crimes.
In 2024, 2,528 car break-ins were reported in Columbus, with 1,304 — oring areas, according to public records obtained from the Columbus Division of Police. Most break-ins occurred in the middle of the night on weekends, according to the records.
Though a good rule of thumb is to leave cars locked and empty, Ashley Cronin, a second-year in microbiology, said doing so does not guarantee theft won’t occur.
“Every girl in our [sorority] house that’s gotten their car broken into had it locked, and they all had nothing in there,” Cronin said. “But when I watched the surveillance video, they smashed the windows before even trying to open the doors.”
her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma had their cars broken into in the early morning of Jan. 21 outside their sorority house, located on East 15th Avenue.
“I think it was around midnight,” Cronin said. “They broke into six cars in our parking lot. It’s a parking lot of 35 cars, but that was it. They just broke into six cars and then left. They didn’t actually steal anything from anyone, and it’s happened to our parking lot twice now. It happened last semester too.”
Cronin’s own surveillance footage shows two cars pulling into the parking lot and breaking into multiple cars before leaving.
-
dividually, but we weren’t able to provide them with a license plate because our camera is pretty bad,” Cronin said. “So, they’re really not doing anything. I know it happens every year, and there’s nothing we can do because we can’t install a gate. We have a little fence, but
there’s no gate, so there’s nothing really stopping them.” -
nance, said his car was broken into at his home on West 8th Avenue over the summer, but nothing was taken.
“There’s been a couple times where I’ve left my doors unlocked, and you can pretty much always count on if you leave your doors unlocked, people are going to open them and try and take whatever they can get,” Mamula said. “They stole packs of gum, and I was worried about my sunglasses because they were nice, but they were still in.”
This wasn’t the only time Mamula had his car broken into. The second time Mamula was a victim of car theft, he said the outcome wasn’t as fortunate.
“I left my car doors unlocked, and they stole my vintage Polo sport bag that had my gym notebook in it,” Mamula said. “They also stole my sunglasses. So, they got me for a pretty large pot on that one.”
Of course, car break-ins aren’t limalso occur on campus.
University spokesperson Dan Hedman said in an email there was a “recent uptick” in vehicular theft on campus, with one notable instance taking place in the Kinnear Road parking lots Jan. 16.
among the locations across central Ohio with multiple instances of theft from auto on the morning of Thursday, January 16,” Hedman said. “Multiple cars along Kinnear Road were broken into and had items stolen. OSUPD is investigating and working with other local agencies that were impacted that day.”
Hedman said car break-ins aren’t unique to Columbus, and there are ways students can help prevent breakins on their own.
“Theft from auto and auto theft are a problem not just across the city but across the U.S.,” Hedman said. “As for prevention strategies, police recommend never leaving valuables in your vehicle — especially not in plain sight. Lock all doors and secure the vehicle with windows up. Park in well-lit areas and, again, do not leave keys or other
valuables inside your vehicle.”
As for what the Ohio State University Police Department has done to mitigate these break-ins, Hedman said patrol and surveillance methods are already in place.
“Both University Police and nonsworn university security patrol campus parking lots and parking garages,” Hedman said. “In addition, the university added security cameras at all parking garage entrances a few years ago. If you see something suspicious, report it to police. On campus, call OSUPD at 614-292-2121. Always dial 9-11 in emergencies.”
ever, Cronin said she believes more resources could be implemented to prevent persistent break-ins, as she feels not much can typically be done after the fact.
“I don’t see how there’s anything the police can do after it’s happened,” Cronin said. “I don’t think they do enough to prevent it, just because it
could have people patrolling or something like that.”
Mamula, on the other hand, said more patrolling might not help resolve the issue as much as a solution that would stop people from committing the crimes in general. But as of now, he said an exact solution remains unclear.
“It’s a tough thing; Columbus police can only do so much,” Mamula said. “I don’t know if more policing is really the answer to those kinds of problems that we have in our society. Ideally, we wouldn’t have people that feel the need to break into cars. But at the end of the day, don’t leave your car unlocked. That’s probably a good way to go about it.”
an email there are steps students can situations to Mamula or Cronin.
BREAK-INS continues on Page 7
COURTESY OF ASHLEY CRONIN
sorority house on East 15th Avenue. Two of her windows were smashed and shattered during the crime.
Got snow? What to know about who’s responsible for winter maintenance of your o -campus home
By Davis Beatty Lantern Reporter
Decked
out head-to-toe in winter
gear, Ohio State student Lauren Hawkinson thought she was prepared to walk from her apartment door across an ice-covered parking lot to take out her trash Jan. 19.
The journey ended with a torn ligament and a fractured tibia.
“Because it was just a complete sheet of ice, my leg just totally slipped, and then my other compensated, bursting out and tearing things, breaking things,” said Hawkinson, a fourthyear in biomedical engineering.
Hawkinson, who underwent ankle surgery Wednesday, said her expected recovery time is about a month. As a result, she will have to attend classes remotely from her home in Cleveland; making matters worse, she might even have to drop her organic chemistry lab due to being unable to complete it online.
“Having to do distance learning when everyone else is in person is hard, and I don’t think a lot of profes-
sors do the best job when it’s a mix,” Hawkinson said. “I think sometimes being online — not like you get neglected — but you just don’t get the same experience.”
When dealing with snow and ice on sidewalks, as well as steps and stoops,
face confusion about where their cleanup responsibilities lie. Frank Kremer, chief counsel for the Civil Team at Ohio State Student Legal Services, weighed in on how to navigate one’s liability.
The lease for Hawkinson’s apartment, owned by OSU Live, states the company is not liable for any injuries on apartment property from ice or snow, Hawkinson said.
The lease, however, does not state who is responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk around her apartment and the shared parking lot behind the building, according to the document.
OSU Live did not respond to The Lantern’s request for comment in time for publication.
Though Hawkinson said she doesn’t intend to take legal action, her experi-
BREAK-INS continued from Page 5
broken into and there appears to be no suspects in the area, call the OSUPD non-emergency phone number immesurfaces or remove any property that does not belong to you. There could be be able to obtain. If you see someone still in your car, do not approach them, get a safe distance away, and call 911 immediately.”
Caitlyn McIntosh, a spokesperson for CPD, said in an email the police division is “using technology, social meto identifying and apprehending perpetrators.”
“In many cases, vehicle break-ins target vehicles that the perpetrators believe may contain valuables,” McIn-larly meet with stakeholders who have experienced break-ins, such as hotel and motel associations, shopping centers, and areas where a lot of vehicles are parked. We continue to work with our community and law enforcement partners on strategies to address this issue.”
when it’s unclear who is responsible for winter property maintenance.
Kremer said the liability of snow and ice incidents is determined on a case-by-case basis, using many factors such as the type of property, the location of the snow and ice, the terms of the lease and local municipality laws.
To ensure students are not taken advantage of by their landlords, Kremer said there are steps they can take to adequately prepare for working with a
Before signing a lease, Kremer said using the Undergraduate Student Government Renters Guide.
Students can also learn which land-
Kremer said. An in-network landlord must meet certain criteria to be part of the university’s network, according to
OSU Live is not listed as an in-network company.
review sessions for students to assess
Similar to Hedman, McIntosh said there are ways to combat car break-ins on an individual level.
“You can reduce the likelihood of a break-in by not leaving valuables inside McIntosh said. “If possible, park in well-lit areas where you can see your vehicle. As you come and go from your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and do your best to not be distracted.”
a lease with a legal expert before signing, allowing students to receive an overview of what their rights and responsibilities are, Kremer said.
“Because these things can be sodents] the questions to get all the necessary, relevant facts that we need to then analyze it from a legal perspective and give them the best advice that we can,” Kremer said.
Students can make a general advising appointment through the Student Legal Services webform, according to its website.
DAVIS BEATTY | LANTERN REPORTER
ice, raising questions about who is responsible for winter maintenance.
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Where to shop for secondhand furniture in Clintonville’s ‘antique district’
By Samantha Harden Arts & Life Editor
Eclectiques Antique Mall (3265 N. High St.)
Curated by lifelong interior designer Abbey Knight-Simeral and her husband, Coleman Simeral, Eclectiques Antique Mall is a staple store of the Clintonville neighborhood.
According to its website, the 8,000-square-foot, two-story shop
diverse selection of retro furniture, vintage clothing and accessories and locally crafted goods.
According to a February 2022 article from The Columbus Dispatch, Knight-Simeral and Simeral acquired the shop in 2022 after the previous owner of a decade passed away, though the shop has been a neighborhood landmark for over 30 years.
Eclectiques Antique Mall is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. More information about the shop can be found on its website.
The Atomic Shop (3274 N. High St.)
Opened in summer 2024, The Atomic Shop is a recent addition to the Clintonville community. The shop took over a space formerly occupied by another antique store — the Boomerang Room — before it moved to a smaller storefront next door, according to a July 2024 Clintonville Spotlight article.
Atomic is the brainchild of sisters Marek and Temple Miller, who also operate Atomic on High, a monthly outdoor antique market held in the parking lot next to the shop at 3274 N. High St.
According to the article, inventory is refreshed monthly to align with a new theme, and the shop also regularly features new products from Colum-
bus-based artists and brands.
The Atomic Shop is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. For more details, including how to online shop for secondhand treasures, visit the shop’s website.
The Boomerang Room (3276 N. High St.)
The place “where everything comes back around.”
Once spanning both 3274 and 3276 N. High St., the Boomerang Room now takes up only half of the space, occupying the storefront directly to the left of The Atomic Shop at 3276 N. High St.
For the past 15 years, the shop has been owned and operated by husbandand-wife duo Karen and Jon Dilgard. According to the shop’s website, it specializes in selling vintage mid-century modern furniture, art and accessories — everything from dining tables and couches to unique wall art and sculptures.
The Boomerang Room is open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday-Monday. For more details, visit the shop’s website.
Timporium (3246 N. High St.)
spent over 40 years in the Columbus area as a professional concert pianist and music educator — partially retired from the music world to open Timporium, according to the shop’s website.
The shop sells antique goods such as clocks, barware, glassware, pottery, sculptures and other artwork, also offering an online shop via eBay.
Timporium is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5
ANTIQUE continued from Page 8
p.m. Sunday. More information about Timporium can be found on the shop’s website.
Euro Classics Antiques (3317 N. High St.)
pers a 4,000-square-foot showroom containing furniture and decor, primarily sourced from between the 1890s and 1920s.
According to its website, the shop specializes in turn-of-the-century and Mission-style furnishings, but also buys and sells art, pottery, frames, metalwork, wood and tiles from theenced by it. With an on-site woodshop, repair services.
Euro Classics Antiques is open 12:30-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For more information, including educational resources about the Arts and Crafts period, visit the shop’s website.
e road to becoming an Ohio State resident advisor
By Sandra Fu Photo Editor
Being a resident advisor is often associated with hosting hall meetings and busting dorm parties, but the reality of this role is more complex than many students might realize.
Over 1,000 students applied to be an Ohio State RA for the 2025-26 academic year, but only a fraction will be selected to take the helm. Alex Smith, assistant director of Housing and Residence Education, said he focuses on
both emotional support and practical guidance to residents, especially as they navigate post-pandemic challenges.
“My goal is to have somebody on building can connect with,” Smith said.
Smith said there’s a common misconception that any given RA is a “cookie-cutter” type of person. He said RAs are encouraged to be themselves and are not required to have any
looks for two main qualities in applicants.
“What I want is people who care about their students,” Smith said.
I can teach most of the rest of things, but the students that care about their fellow students and who are willing to have conversations with them, sometimes tough conversations with them, what makes [an] RA.”
Potential RA candidates must complete an initial form, which contains two essay questions pertaining to their
motivations for applying. Following this stage of the process, candidateserage. Notably, Smith said a candidate must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher throughout the entire process.
The candidates are then individu-
Each interviewee answers the same questions for that year’s hiring cycle, and their answers are scored according to a rubric.
When evaluating RA candidates, Smith said it is crucial to identify characteristics that will help them support the unique needs of students — especially in the post-pandemic environment.
“For example, the students that are freshmen coming in, incoming freshmen this year, they were eighth graders when COVID hit,” Smith said. “So, that impact their experience, socially,
RA continues on Page 10
RA continued from Page 9
Matt Wright, residence hall director at Park-Stradley Hall, said COVIDare still evident in key issues tackled by RAs, citing the lack of face-to-face interaction during the pandemic as a cause.
“I think two years after [the pandemic], students struggle so much to just live with someone and try to talk about those boundaries,” Wright said. “And so, I think I’m still noticing rehoping for that to go away.”
Smith said though candidates do not all share the same background, the important part is how they handle core
“We get lots of people who can talk, who will come in [and] say, ‘I was captain on my high school, insert athletic between people,’” Smith said. “But I’ll also get people who say, you know, ‘I worked at McDonald’s, and I engaged with customers; I had to talk to customers who weren’t happy and wanted their money back, and de-escalate situations,’ both of which are equally valid.”
The success of RA candidates chosen for the position is not only dependent on their interpersonal skills, but also hinges on how well they can integrate into the dorm they’re assigned to.
Wright — who is in his second year working at Park-Stradley, having previously been the residence hall director for the Mendoza, Norton and Scott dorms — said he didn’t initially know
“I just knew it was a larger building than I had [before],” Wright said. “With larger buildings, you assume there’s more alcohol and cannabis problems, and honestly, I was wrong.diation with roommates right now [in Park-Stradley].”
applications, Wright said he is keeping reviewing applications.
trying to look more to make sure I have those soft voices and making sure
that we’re listening and able to support them,” Wright said.
or rejection, Smith said. There is also a third option to join the “alternate pool,” which functions as a waitlist.
“If we lose a candidate, then we can say, ‘OK, these people were also great candidates that we still have [a] place for,’” Smith said.
The alternate pool became more critical when Morrill Tower increased its population from 10 students per suite to 16 students per suite prior to the 2024-25 fall semester.
Even though the Morrill suites are built to accommodate up to 16 students per suite, Smith said he feels students weren’t necessarily getting the support which led to pulling candidates from the alternate pool.
“We like our percentages in terms be, ideally, one RA to 35 residents, but [it] usually ends up between 35 and 40,” Smith said. “But that many people so you need a second RA because one RA to 80 people just doesn’t all work. supported us going back up to larger numbers.”
Ultimately, Smith said the focus for the application process remainsmeet the developing needs of the student population.
“I don’t want 20 of the same perdrive me freaking crazy.”
CARLY DAMON | ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
A resident advisor room sits at the end of a hallway in Park-Stradley.
LUXURY continued from Page 12
over traditional housing, said Sophie Popovich, general manager of Luxe Belle.
“More students are checking out apartments compared to houses, partly due to safety concerns,” Popovich said. “Luxury apartments are becoming increasingly popular among juniors and new apartment developments.”
Despite these perks, this housing shift comes at a high cost.
Garland said the average cost for a a Buckeye Real Estate unit, is roughly $750 per month. Meanwhile, Liv Kelly, a third-year in exercise science, said she pays roughly $1,450 per month to live in StateHouse Varsity — almost twice the amount of a non-luxury complex.
housing, some students expressed concerns over the potential for socioeconomic gaps to arise within the student body.
“I wouldn’t categorize every single person that lives in a luxury apartment as being in a higher socioeconomic your status that way if you’re living somewhere like Lumen or Rambler,” Kelly said.
O’Dell agreed.
“Now, when I tell people about it, they are like, ‘You’re fancy, you live in [StateHouse Varsity],’” O’Dell said. “I wouldn’t say it swayed my opinion, but in it.”
the apartment,” Prasad said. “I have the biggest room, and I pay $950.”
In light of the price disparity between traditional and luxury student
KAITLAN HARLAN | LANTERN REPORTER LEFT AND TOP: Luxury apartment developments like Luxe Belle, shown here, provide high-end living spaces for students near campus.
To pay or not to pay: Examining the luxury housing takeover in the University District
By Kaitlan Harlan Lantern Reporter
AUniversity District, a surge of luxury apartments might reshape how
Luxury apartment developments like StateHouse Varsity — formerly known as the Wellington — Luxe Belle, Lumen on Ninth and Highline on Nine provide high-end living spaces for students near campus. Many of these new
and safety features, including heightened security.
The Little Bar and Bier Stube have been
both bars being slated for demolition to make way for luxury developments, per prior Lantern reporting.
As these premium complexes continue to populate in the University District, the local housing landscape is shifting, leading to an increase in questions about student priorities and
One of the big selling points associated with luxury apartments is the said Molly O’Dell, a second-year in communication and current StateHouse Varsity resident.
“I really like the amenities, like having a gym, pool, a garage and really just feeling safe, especially in Columbus,” O’Dell said.
Justin Garland, vice president of Buckeye Real Estate and a commis-
sioner on the University Area Commission, said close proximity to campus plays a large factor in university development decisions, as well as students’ personal housing preferences.
“I think that we’ve seen the new development of these purpose-built student housing complexes,” Garland said. “The intention of it was to get the density around High Street and pull students from further away parts of areas like the Fourth Street area. I think that we’re starting to see some ofgraphics moving into those areas.”
Though amenities and location are consideration for students, especialsaid safety played a considerable role in her choice to lease a luxury apartment.
“Safety was one of the major draws because we have to key in everywhere like the front door, elevators and our apartment door,” O’Dell said. “It makes it a lot harder for people to get in, which was important to my parents.”
Vivek Prasad, a fourth-year in political science, said he decided against the luxury lifestyle due to a need for more room capacity, but he has dealt with several safety problems while liv-
“We had one person break into our cars and two separate house burglaries,” Prasad said.
Safety is one of the primary reasons students choose a luxury apartment
LUXURY continues on Page 11
KAITLAN HARLAN | LANTERN REPORTER