The Gather on Southern Avenue held a grand opening event on Wednesday, March 5.
The new student apartment complex, located at 3655 Southern Ave., hosted the event for students to come and view the amenities that will be offered.
Although The Gather is located in the University District and just across the railroad tracks from the University of Memphis, the apartment complex will lease units for students at different colleges and universities.
“We cater to all students,” said property manager Whitley Yates. “There will be Victory University students, as well as Rhodes College.”
Students will have opportunity to experience apartment style living while being close to campus.
Students will pick from three different floor plans, making it much different than on-campus housing.
“I think the biggest thing for students is privacy and independence,” Yates said. “It’s like being free and having a taste of the real world.
“We are a little bit more luxury,” Yates said.
The Gather will lease two, three and four bedroom units.
The grand opening allowed students to tour the facility and view a model floor plan and amenities including a coffee lounge, movie theater and swimming pool. Students will also have access to its 24-hour computer labs.
John Miles, a U of M junior sociology major, plans to move from on campus to The Gather this fall.
“My most concern is being compatible with my roommates,” she said. “I want to be able to get along with each of them.”
The Gather will determine roommate compatibility by using roommate matching forms that students will have to fill out at the time they apply.
“Staying here (The Gather), I want have to go through the troubles of finding a roommate by myself,” said Burks. “Seeing the inside of the place will determine whether or not I’ll consider leasing with them.”
The form will ask students their age, classification, major and about their daily activities.
“We like to place people with the same major or student habit,” Yates said .
Students will also undergo a criminal background check when they apply to live at the student apartment complex.
Students will be able to feel safe living at The Gather with their two gated parking areas and 24 hour courtesy officer. They can also use an app on their smart phone devices to allow their guest access to enter in the gated property.
“We have to check our guest into our dorms on campus,” Miles said. “I’m glad I want have to go through the hassle.”
The Gather is managed by Asset Campus Housing, and this is their first property to open in Memphis.