By: Tatum Hunter

The construction of the University Station mixed-use development is progressing according to schedule.

Universtiy Station leasing manager Kristi Whitworth confirmed that, according to communications between the construction company and the developers, the project has consistently been on or ahead of schedule. Construction began with the retail space and has now expanded to include the residential space.

Developers hope to have the project completely finished two weeks before residents move in. Whitworth said that residents can expect to move in on August 22. There will be a welcome party for residents at the complex pool on move-in day.

Residents of University Station’s 176 apartment units will have access to an outdoor pool with a sundeck and cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, two study rooms per floor, a computer lab and a private movie theater.

Businesses that are officially planning to operate in U Station include Graeter’s, Lucy Blue Pizza, Starbucks and the Xavier University Bookstore. “There have been rumors of others, like Gold Star Chili and Keystone Bar & Grill, but those haven’t been confirmed,” said Whitworth. Developers have secured two liquor licenses, although both may not be used.

“Students can absolutely plan to move in before the fall semester starts,” said Liz Blume, the Director of Xavier’s Community Building Institute. “As of right now, 85 percent of the residential space has been leased, and we will keep the Newswire updated as more businesses sign on to operate in the retail space.”