Lobo Village set to open fall 2011

The Lobo Village real estate office is accepting applications from students and faculty interested in leasing a Lobo Village apartment.
The complex opens August 2011, and the real estate office is hosting a kick-off event today at 10 a.m. at the SUB.

Students living off campus will be given priority leasing opportunities, said Brent McPherson, general manager of Lobo Village.
“We’ve had tons of interest already,” he said. “Over 100 applications have already been filled out and we’ve had over 1,000 guest interest cards filled out. The whole apartment complex should be filled by spring.”

The office is accepting applications on a first-come-first-served basis until the 864 available beds are filled.
The apartments, west of the Pit on Avenida Cesar Chavez, are furnished and include four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living area, kitchen and washer/dryer.

McPherson said the complex also includes a 22,000-square-foot club house, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, two-story fitness center and 70-seat movie theater.

“It has crazy, world-class amenities,” he said.
Student Ryan Gately said he and his friends plan to apply to live in Lobo Village.
“They look super nice, especially the pool,” he said.

UNM Communication Representative Karen Wentworth said Lobo Village is funded and operated by American Campus Communities, which is leasing the ground space at south campus. She said the complex has been under construction for more than a year.
McPherson said the project cost more than $50 million. He said Lobo Village will help UNM’s retention rate.
“The great thing is that UNM didn’t have to put up a penny,” he said.

Lobo Village is open to sophomores and above, graduate students and faculty. Monthly rent is $499 per person and includes cable and Internet service. Leases are for 12 months, according to the website, and residents must pay all electrical bills and a shuttle transportation fee.

Student Jessica Mize applied to live in the apartments next school year. She said the complex appealed to her because she wants to live on campus, but still have furnished rooms and amenities.

Unlike main campus, Lobo Village does not have a no-alcohol policy, and Gately said he looks forward to the apartments’ social aspect.
“It’ll be an awesome party community and a 24/7 social atmosphere,” he said.